reaking News: Southern California Wildfires Force Tens of Thousands to Evacuate
By TNW News Breaking Team
Developing Story

Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate as wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, destroying homes and endangering lives. The Hurst Fire, which began near Diamond Road in Sylmar, has burned over 500 acres and is threatening neighborhoods in San Fernando and Newhall. Evacuation orders affect over 44,000 people, with warnings issued for an additional 27,000 residents.

Efforts to Support Evacuees
Organizations across California are mobilizing to assist those impacted. Here’s how you can help:

• California Fire Foundation
  The foundation provides financial assistance to wildfire victims, supports firefighters, and aids the families of fallen heroes. Donations can be made online through their official website.
• Salvation Army
  Offering emergency housing, shelters, and financial grants, the Salvation Army addresses both immediate and long-term needs of fire victims. Donations are accepted online.
• Red Cross
  The Red Cross operates shelters, provides meals, medical care, and helps families develop recovery plans. Visit their website to donate or learn more.
• Wildfire Recovery Fund
  Focused on intermediate and long-term community recovery efforts, this fund supports areas rebuilding after the immediate disaster response. Details on donations are available on their website.

Federal and State Assistance
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to aid in fighting the Hurst Fire. This grant will cover up to 75% of eligible fire suppression costs for responding agencies.

In a statement, Governor Newsom said:
"We are working vigorously to ensure maximum support for firefighting efforts in Los Angeles, including the Hurst Fire, which is now threatening San Fernando and Newhall. Thank you to all our firefighting personnel and first responders protecting Californians in harm’s way."

The Hurst Fire is among several blazes fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, with the Palisades and Eaton Fires already burning thousands of acres. State agencies, including CAL FIRE and local emergency services, have deployed additional resources, including fire engines and hand crews, to affected areas.

Evacuations and Public Safety
Mandatory evacuations are underway, and emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate residents and their pets. The National Weather Service has issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning through Thursday due to the extreme wind and fire conditions. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and preparedness guidelines at ready.ca.gov.

How to Stay Updated
TNW News is providing live updates on the Hurst Fire and other ongoing wildfires through TNWWeather.com, NewsBreak, and social media platforms including X, Instagram, and Threads. Residents can also access evacuation maps, emergency alerts, and safety tips via lacounty.gov/emergency.

Unified Response
Governor Newsom stressed the importance of collaboration during this crisis:
"Our priority remains the safety of Californians as we navigate one of the most catastrophic fire events in recent memory."

Stay tuned to TNW News for continuous coverage and updates on disaster response efforts.

This article was written by a TNW News Breaking Team member and edited for clarity and accuracy using AI. For additional updates, follow TNW Weather across all platforms.

Editor-in-Chief: Todd Nardone
Content Producer: TNW News Center Team