As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, the toll on both human and animal lives is becoming increasingly severe. Rescue teams and shelters are overwhelmed with animals injured in the flames.
On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Los Angeles Animal Rescue reported a large influx of animals being brought in with severe burn injuries. Veterinary teams are working tirelessly to provide medical care, including pain management, wound treatment, and oxygen therapy. “Our resources are being stretched thin, but we are doing everything we can to save these animals,” the shelter said in a statement.
Animal control officers are actively assisting animals in need and preparing for an increase in rescues as firefighters continue to battle the blazes. The shelter has also urged residents to include their pets in evacuation plans, stating, “If you need to leave your home, please take your pets with you. Their safety depends on you.” Emergency boarding and pet food are being provided to those in need, thanks to the support of local organizations and volunteers.
Among the many injured animals are two dogs, Wesley and Lua, who have sustained significant burns. They are currently at the vet, waiting for surgery to treat their injuries. The shelter remains hopeful for their recovery, but the road ahead will be challenging.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr reflects on childhood home lost in Pacific Palisades wildfire
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared that his childhood residence was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfire.Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared that his childhood residence was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfire.
“It’s been tough. My family is fine, my mom is in good hands, but her house is gone,” Kerr told reporters before the team’s match against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. “That’s my hometown, and all my friends who are from there, pretty much they’ve all lost their homes, their family homes, childhood homes. Our whole high school’s gone. The town looks like it’s just been completely wiped out.”
Kerr said that his parents bought the house in 1969, where he grew up.
“It’s surreal and devastating, but fortunately, almost everyone escaped,” he added. “The pictures reminded me of Lahaina from a couple years ago. And I’m so happy that there wasn’t the loss of life that people in Hawaii experienced. But it’s hard to even fathom how Pacific Palisades rebuilds and how it becomes a thriving community again. It’s just shocking.”
LA sheriff says it looks as though "an atomic bomb dropped in these areas"
He confirmed five deaths that he was aware of from the devastating fires, although other officials have confirmed seven across the region.
“But even as I’m telling you that, it’s leaving my lips, I’m nervous about that number,” Luna said Thursday at a news conference.
The sheriff added that he is praying the death toll doesn’t increase, “but based on the devastation that is clear” he said he “doesn’t expect good news.”