By Mary O’KEEFE

On 8 a.m. on Wednesday, local officials provided an update on the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

A new website has been set up specifically for wildfire relief questions. It can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yc67jnus.

The number of acres burned in the Eaton Fire was reported at 14,201, and 9,418 structures have been destroyed (although that number is expected to grow as crews are still evaluating the area). It is 91% contained. 

The number of acres burned in the Palisades Fire was reported at 23,448, and 6,662 structures were destroyed (this number can change as the investigation continues). 

There were 17 people reported to have died in the Eaton Fire and 11 people are confirmed dead due to the Palisades Fire. 

At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday a fast-moving wildfire began in the Lake Hughes area. As of press time, 8,096 acres had burned and numerous evacuation orders had been issued. The fire was reported at Lake Hughes Road, north of Castaic Reservoir. California Highway Patrol had issued several road closures including some exits along the Golden State (5) Freeway. The Red Flag Warning had been extended to Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. 

There are several areas of support for those affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires that include help with medications. 

“The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for California to aid uninsured residents in replacing prescription medicines or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County,” according to a statement.

Uninsured residents affected by the wildfires can request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications and any EPAP participating pharmacy. 

Those who qualify must have resided in Los Angeles County. Other requirements and more information can be found at 

https://aspr.hhs.gov/EPAP/Pages/California-Wildfires-2025.aspx.

Survivors who are not sure if they are eligible for this program should call the EPAP Hotline at (855) 793-7470 to find out if they are eligible and to register with EPAP.

LA County also launched a “one-stop” funding and relief portal. 

The recent wildfires have devastated communities, displaced thousands of residents and brought unimaginable grief, suffering and loss to friends, families, neighbors and co-workers. At the same time, this tragedy has also spurred an outpouring of generosity and desire to help those in need – along with questions about where best to direct donations, according to a statement from LA County Coordinated Joint Information Center.

In response to this overwhelming show of support, and to help guide people with questions about how to help, Los Angeles County has launched a one-stop portal to connect the public with trusted organizations that are providing crucial relief and support in affected communities.

The LA County Relief Funding & Resource Portal provides a range of funds dedicated to supporting first responders, offering housing assistance, providing relief for small businesses and workers, and removing barriers for students and communities. For more information visit lacounty.gov/relief.