NEWS GLEAMS | Firefighters Make Progress on Los Angeles Fires; Tips for Creating Emergency Go Bags

Firefighters are bracing for expected high winds from Monday through Wednesday this week, as fires rage on throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area. A number of fires first broke out on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and were exacerbated rapidly by up to 100 mile-per-hour winds, which prohibited on-the-ground and aerial firefighting efforts in the crucial initial hours.

Evacuation orders have led to the displacement of over 105,000 residents, the destruction of more than 12,300 structures, the deaths of at least 24 people, and dozens of people who remain missing. An additional 87,000 people remain in evacuation warning zones across the city, which means they may be asked to evacuate at any moment should circumstances worsen.

The largest fire remains located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood near the coast, which is home to many celebrities and some of LA's wealthiest residents. The fire expanded to 23,713 acres and is 14% contained as of Wednesday morning, though any expansion may additionally threaten the cities of Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood, where the University of California, Los Angeles, is located.

Another devastating fire remains in Eaton Canyon in the east, near the mountainous region near Altadena and Pasadena. Altadena is the site of California's first middle-class Black community, as it was a rare area that was exempt from the redlining that was found in much of the rest of the city. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres and is 33% contained as of Wednesday morning. Over 7,000 structures have been damaged based on initial assessments.

Because of a lack of resources in the Los Angeles area, incarcerated individuals are aiding in the firefighting efforts, earning between $5.80 and $10.24 a day and comprising about 30% of California's overall firefighting force. Additional firefighting aid has come from Canada, Mexico, and other U.S. states. Washington State has sent nine task forces, comprised of 11 trucks, 45 engines, and 146 personnel. They were deployed following a request sent on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a law that allows for the sharing of resources throughout all U.S. states and territories. The costs can be reimbursed by the federal government.

Despite expectations of winds once again picking up early this week, the Los Angeles government and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection have stressed that they are adequately prepared and preemptively have firefighters in place in high-risk areas.

A map of evacuation orders can be seen on the LA Fire Department's website. Impacted residents can visitRecover.LA.County.gov to view preliminary maps showing damage assessments. They can also file claims for damage.

As climate change and extreme weather activities continue to pose a threat across the West Coast, including in Washington State, residents who wish to be prepared are advised to create "go bags" with essential supplies. The bags will allow individuals to leave immediately from their homes or workplaces, as needed, without risking forgetting crucial items in a moment of crisis.

Sizes and contents of go bags will depend on the number of individuals served and specific necessities. Supplies may also differ based on the type of emergency that one anticipates facing, whether that be a fire or flood. Regardless of emergency, some essential items may include:

• Vital documents, such as insurance papers and identification

• First-aid kit

• Medications

• Three days or more of nonperishable food per person, including drinking water

• Can opener

• Disposable cutlery or dishware, as needed

• Cellphone

• Backup chargers and batteries

• Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight and radio

• Necessary disability care items, such as glasses and walking instruments

• Physical map of area with exit routes marked

• Physical list of emergency contact names, addresses, and phone numbers

• High-quality respirator masks

• Cash in small bills

• Writing instruments, including permanent marker

• Water bottles

• Change of clothing

• Sleeping bag or emergency blanket

• Waterproof matches

• Whistle

• Menstrual supplies

• Extra set of house or car keys

Those who have pets may also include necessary essentials, including:

• ID collar

• Leash

• Medications

• Three days of nonperishable food (wet food may be best for hydration)

• Bowl for food

• Foot protection

• Carrier for small pets

A more expansive list of emergency supplies can be found on the Washington State Department of Health's website. It is available in English, Spanish, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and large type.

In response to the election of the incoming Trump-Vance administration, the Seattle-Tacoma branch of the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) has created what it calls a Seattle People's Platform, which intends to "reject imperialist fake solutions." The platform calls for a mass movement centered around 10 issues of potential resistance, including the economy, civil and political rights, health, safety, housing, migration, environment, national liberation and people's sovereignty, and peace and justice.

ILPS kicked off its current mobilization efforts on Jan. 10, with a contingent planning meeting, and a community meeting on Jan. 12, at Young Women Empowered. It continues its organizing efforts with the following activities, leading up through Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The events are free and open to all.

Art Build
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
Near Mount Baker Station (RSVP for location)
Help design banners and signs for the People's Platform in preparation for a march on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Contingent for MLK Jr. Day March
Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.
Garfield High School (400 23rd Ave.)
Join ILPS for community workshops starting at 9 a.m., then mobilize during the 42nd Annual MLK Jr. Day March at 11 a.m. The organization's theme for this year is "We Rise Against Project 2025."

More information can be found on ILPS' Instagram. Those who wish to remain updated on ILPS' mobilization efforts can sign up for announcements via its Google Form. ILPS is also hosting other events nationwide.

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