Dozens Dead in L.A. Fires, Middle East Ceasefire Talks, Homeland Security Chief

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Steve Inskeep 0:03
Thousands of firefighters have come to Los Angeles to help slow the spread of the two biggest wildfires.
A. Martinez 0:08
As the wind is expected to pick up again, officials are asking residents to work with them.
Kristen Crowley 0:13
Follow all evacuation warnings and orders without delay.
Steve Inskeep 0:17
I'm Steve Inskeep with A. Martinez, and this is Up First from NPR News. Negotiations are underway to end the war in Gaza before President-elect Trump takes office next week.
Unidentified Commentator 0:29
I think there's a certain fear of the unknown in terms of what the new administration will do and will say.
A. Martinez 0:35
What are the odds of success? And we spoke with President Biden's Homeland Security Secretary as he prepares to leave office.
Alejandro Mayorkas 0:42
I don't think we prevailed in communicating to the American people successfully the challenges of migration.
A. Martinez 0:51
Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.
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A. Martinez 2:19
California's governor is looking to rebuild the parts of Metro Los Angeles swept away by wildfire.
Steve Inskeep 2:24
Gavin Newsom says he wants to restore neighborhoods as quickly as possible. And for people restoring their homes, he will use his power to waive California's famously challenging environmental reviews. First, though, the fires have to burn out and they have killed an estimated 24 people so far as we know.
A. Martinez 2:41
We're joined now by NPR's Adrian Florido in Los Angeles. Adrian, firefighters made some progress containing these fires over the weekend. How are things looking now?
Adrian Florido 2:51
Well, things are looking better. Firefighters are gradually containing the Eaton Fire in northeast L.A. and the Palisades Fire on the west side. Each of those fires destroyed thousands of homes, as you said. They are now burning mostly in the unpopulated hills, but they are still spreading. There were new evacuation orders over the weekend in neighborhoods that the fires were approaching. The big concern now is that winds are, as you said, about to pick up again. There could be gusts as high as 70 miles per hour in some areas. This is L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney.
Anthony Kuhn 3:24
These winds, combined with low humidities and low fuel moistures, will keep the fire threat in all of Los Angeles County very high.
Adrian Florido 3:35
LA City Fire Chief Kristen Crowley pleaded with residents to stay alert and to stay informed.
Kristen Crowley 3:40
Follow all evacuation warnings and orders. And the key here is without delay.
Adrian Florido 3:46
The National Weather Service has warned that critical fire weather conditions will last through Wednesday.
A. Martinez 3:51
OK, now, you know, last week we heard a lot about how there aren't enough firefighters or other resources to get these fires under control. So do officials now have what they need?
Adrian Florido 4:00
Well, they're now saying that they are staffed and equipped to handle this. Thousands of firefighters have come in from other states, from Mexico and from Canada, and are working the fire lines. The governor of California called up a thousand more National Guard troops to help. Dozens of planes and choppers have been dropping water and flame retardant pretty much around the clock.

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