Deadly LA fires continue to burn, some attractions close; airlines activate flexible policies

Firefighters in Los Angeles continue to battle raging wildfires that have so far led to ten deaths and nearly 10,000 structures being damaged or destroyed.

According to the LA Times, the multiple fires, which began Tuesday (Jan. 7), have evacuated at least 130,000 residents from impacted neighbourhoods. Much of Los Angeles County remains under a red flag warning through Friday night.

A brush fire erupted in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday and has since burned more than 19,000 acres. It was at just six per cent containment as of Thursday evening, reports say. A second fire, the Eaton Fire, in Altadena, as well as a third fire, The Hurst Fire, in northeast of San Fernando, have also caused widespread destruction.

READ MORE: Wildfires hit Los Angeles as hurricane-strength wind gusts spread flames

Two more fires broke out late Wednesday, bringing the total outbreaks to five: The Lidia and Sunset fires added over 400 acres to the total area impacted.

By Thursday morning, the Lidia Fire was 60 per cent contained but sprawled over 300 acres, while the Sunset Fire above West Hollywood was contained, reports say.

LA’s fire chief Kristin Crowley has called it “one of the most destructive fires in the history of Los Angeles,” reports the Washington Post.

Flights & attractions impacted

The wildfires, which have destroyed thousands of homes, have impacted some flights and tourist attractions in the LA area.

Some flights to and from Southern California were delayed or cancelled due to the unpredictable conditions seen this week, with most disruptions occurring at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR).

The airport said the situation was improving as of 9 p.m. EST on Thursday.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) saw two per cent of its flights cancelled Thursday, while 13 per cent were delayed. It appears that travel operations are not being directly impacted by the wildfires at this time.

U.S. airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are allowing customers who had flights booked to and from LA-area airports from Jan. 8-10 or 11, depending on the airline, to rebook by Jan. 15.

Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for its LAX flights until Jan. 11. Customers on an affected flight can make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting.

"Air Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is working to get you on your way safely and as quickly as possible," the airline wrote in a statement posted to its website.

Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Studios Hollywood closed Thursday (Jan. 9) due to the extreme winds and fire conditions.

The theme park, including the Universal CityWalk, will reopen Friday (Jan. 10), resuming regular operating hours, according to an update posted to X.

The Getty Museum, Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures will remain closed through to Sunday (Jan. 12).

"Getty staff, the art collections, and buildings remain safe from the Palisades Fire," wrote the Getty Museum in a statement posted to X on Jan. 9. "The threat is still happening, and our hearts go out to everybody in Los Angeles affected by this awful tragedy."

Disneyland, which is in Orange County about 45 minutes from Pacific Palisades, remains open, as does Knott's Berry Farm.

Guests are advised to check the Disneyland app for the latest updates, according to Disneyland officials, who say that operational adjustments may be implemented as conditions continue to change.

How to help

Discover Los Angeles lists charitable organizations that are on the ground to help, including the Los Angeles Fire Foundation, the California Community Foundation, and the American Red Cross.

"Our hearts are with the members of our community during this difficult time," reads a statement that was posted to the tourism board's website on Jan. 9. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to combat the fires since they began on Tuesday. The fires remain active, and the safety of residents, visitors, and first responders in the affected areas is our highest priority." 

"We urge everyone to stay informed through the Los Angeles Fire Department for the latest evacuation updates and to follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders." 

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