US News Today highlights on January 11, 2025 : Los Angeles wildfire
More areas previously under evacuation orders were opened to residents near the Eaton and Palisades fires Friday.
A “significant portion” was opened Friday near the Eaton Fire, and more openings are expected tomorrow, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Captain Jabari Williams said. Authorities continue to open “more areas as they can” as approximately 280 personnel are working in the area on active missions, he added.
Some evacuation orders were also downgraded Friday to allow residents in the Palisades Fire area as well. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasized the need for residents going back to wear an N95 mask as airborne toxins remain in the area.
“This work is extensive, it is complicated, and it is essential to understand this is not returning to normal,” she said. “Utility infrastructure is damaged throughout the fire impacted region, and time is needed to effectively address all of these issues.”
Officials emphasized a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew remains in effect for evacuation-ordered areas, so even in places where residents are temporarily allowed in, they are being told to pick up any necessary medications or heirlooms and then leave the area. Evacuation orders will not be lifted until the areas are deemed safe for residents to return.
Mark Shterenberg, 80, worked hard to provide for his family before dying during the Palisades Fire last week, according to his granddaughter.
Shterenberg, whose family purchased their Pacific Palisades home in 1993, was one of at least 27 wildfire victims, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Six years after emigrating from the Soviet Union to Chicago in 1980 with his wife and daughter, the family moved to Los Angeles.
“When they came here, they didn’t have a dollar to their name and didn’t speak a word of English,” said Tatiana Bedi, 29.
He “worked every single day of his life” and saved money “to build a life for his family,” Bedi told CNN.
On January 7, Bedi called and texted Shterenberg about the fires, knowing he wouldn’t want to evacuate. Shterenberg, who was alone in his home, didn’t respond.
Around 9:30 p.m., Shterenberg texted his wife saying their street was still safe.
Two hours later, Shterenberg texted a friend saying the fire was now on their street.
Bedi filed a missing person report the next day. On January 11, she was notified remains were found in the house – right next to Shterenberg’s glasses.
Shterenberg appeared tough on the outside but was the “biggest teddy bear of a person” on the inside, his granddaughter said. His motto was “study math, keep money in the bank and do three good things every day,” she shared.