The FBI released new photos of a damaged water-dropping super scooper firefighting aircraft that collided with a drone over the Palisades Fire

Y’all be safe it’s people starting these fires!!

Crews are working hard to fight the Eaton Fire and are making substantial progress.

The blaze has damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 structures since it erupted on Tuesday evening near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the Altadena area, according to preliminary estimates from CalFire. As of early Sunday morning, the Eaton Fire stood at 27% containment, having scorched 14,005 acres.

NEW: California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday issued an executive order aimed at cutting red tape for rebuilding efforts in the wake of the deadly Los Angeles County wildfires. 

"The order suspends regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to allow people to rebuild their destroyed or damaged properties faster.  Newsom’s office said the governor is also directing state agencies to find more ways to suspend permit requirements to help speed up rebuilding efforts."

In theory this is excellent, however is it gonna work that way? Not a chance

Thank you firefighters for all that you do! 🚒

Texas firefighters from Baytown, Conroe, Houston, North Montgomery County, and Needham left this morning to travel to California and assist in containing the deadly wildfires.

Post-Fire Recovery Scam Warnings

In the aftermath of recent fires, scammers are actively targeting vulnerable individuals and families, exploiting their distress. Below are important warnings to help you recognize and avoid some of the most common scams.

False Job Solicitation Scams:
If you are looking for work related to fire recovery, beware of job offers circulating on social media that claim to be from the government or reputable agencies. These offers are often fraudulent and designed to steal your personal information. The job postings are not from legitimate sources. Scammers may ask you to submit personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive data. Never provide personal information through links found on social media, especially if the offer seems too good to be true. Always verify job offers through official, government-approved channels or the agency's official website.

Fake City, County, or Federal Employees:
Do not trust anyone who approaches you claiming to be a representative of the City, County, or Federal government without proper identification. Government workers will not ask for payment for services on the spot or pressure you into making immediate decisions. Verify their credentials by contacting the relevant agency directly using official contact information, not the details they provide.

Phone and Text Message Scams:
Beware of unsolicited phone calls asking for donations for fire recovery or claiming to help you recover your losses. Legitimate organizations will not cold-call you for donations. Scammers may impersonate FEMA or insurance agents, asking for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. Always hang up and call back using verified contact details. Never click on links or attachments in texts from unknown numbers, especially those offering "assistance" or "recovery help." These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your information. If you receive a text claiming to be from a government agency or insurance company, do not respond. Instead, verify their authenticity through official channels.

Unsolicited In-Person Solicitations:
Be cautious of people approaching you in person offering "free help" with repairs, insurance claims, or government assistance. Always ask for identification and do not make decisions on the spot. Contact the agency or organization they claim to represent directly before agreeing to anything.

Gift Card or Payment Scams:
Scammers may ask you to pay for services or "government fees" using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate agencies will never ask for payments in these forms. If anyone requests payment in these unusual ways, report the incident immediately.

Fraudulent Donations:
Be cautious when donating to fire relief efforts. Always verify the legitimacy of the charity or organization, especially if they reached out to you directly. Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of organizations before making a donation.

Resources to Verify Authenticity of badges, credentials, and information you receive:

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
Phone: (877) 275-5273
Website: www.lapdonline.org

California Department of Insurance
Phone: (800) 927-4357
Website: www.insurance.ca.gov

California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Website: www.cslb.ca.aov

Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs
Phone: (800) 593-8222
Website: dcba.lacounty.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Phone: (800) 621-3362
Website: www.fema.gov

Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Phone: (213) 631-3600
Website: www.bbb.org

Stay Safe and Informed!

Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, take a step back and verify before proceeding. Together, we can protect ourselves and our neighbors from fraud and scams. Remain vigilant and report scams to the resources given above.