by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

The dangerously high winds predicted for Tuesday were milder than expected, but fire officials say gusts up to 30 mph will blow through parts of northwest Los Angeles and southern Ventura County through 6 p.m. today. Fire danger in those areas remains critical.

The death toll from the wildfires has risen to 25. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, The Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and was 19% contained, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena had consumed 14,117 acres and was at 45% containment.

Hurricane-force winds up to 90 mph drove fast-moving firestorms through Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Sylmar, Hollywood, and other Southern California communities January 7 and 8. The fires have since destroyed more than 12,000 structures, among them national landmarks and hundreds of local and regional treasures.

Some 88,000 people remain under evacuation orders Wednesday. That figure had been at more than 200,000 at the fires’ peak on January 8.

Estimates of fire-related property losses in Southern California have varied wildly, from $30 billion to $150 billion. That number is sure to fluctuate — likely upward — in the weeks ahead as the scope of the damage is more accurately quantified.

Homeowners affected by the wildfires may be eligible for property tax relief. More information is at boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/disaster-relief.htm.

The January 7 windstorm downed trees in Claremont on Foothill Boulevard, on College Avenue, Memorial Park, Lewis Park, June Vail Park, and on a handful of other streets. No injuries were reported.