In Video: This Morning’s Top Headlines – Jan. 15 | Morning News NOW

Southern California Wildfires: Death Toll Rises to 25, Firefighters Bracing for More Destructive Winds

Good morning, I’m Joe Frier and I’m Savannah Sers. We begin with the latest on the Southern California wildfires. The death toll has risen to 25, with more than a dozen others still unaccounted for. Firefighters are bracing for more of those destructive Santa Ana winds, which could produce gusts topping 65 mph, threatening to fuel even more fiery outbreaks.

Firefighters’ Challenges

Steve Patterson, NBC Patterson, is on the ground in hard-hit Altadena, scene of the Eaten Fire. "Firefighters are waiting for the winds to die down before they can make a push to contain the fire," he said. "They’re working 12 to 24-hour shifts, and they’re exhausted. The winds are making it difficult for them to get aircraft up, and they’re having to deal with spot fires popping up all over the place."

Investigation into the Cause of the Fire

Federal investigators are searching for what ignited the Palisades fire. "They’re focusing on a ridge above the fire, where they believe it may have started," said Steve Patterson. "They’re eliminating lightning strikes and utility poles as possible causes, and they’re looking at human ignition, which doesn’t necessarily mean it was intentional."

Firefighting Efforts

Cal Fire is using helicopters to battle the fires from the air. "Choppers like this are key assets in the arsenal of equipment deployed to fight the Palisades and Eaten fires," said Ellis and Barber, NBC News. "They can scoop and drop water, but they can also be used to transport firefighters and equipment and look for flare-ups."

Confirmation Hearings

Meanwhile, the Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s picks for Attorney General and Secretary of State are underway. Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for Attorney General, is facing scrutiny over her relationship with the President-elect and her potential to act independently. "Democrats will likely focus on her echoing calls by Mr. Trump to prosecute political opponents," said Ryan Riley, NBC News Justice Reporter.

Bondi’s Background and Relationship with Trump

Pam Bondi has a traditional background as a lawyer, but her closeness to Trump has raised concerns about her ability to act independently. "She’s been accused of echoing Trump’s calls to prosecute political opponents, and Democrats will likely question her about this," said Riley.

Confirmation Hearings Today

The confirmation hearings for Bondi and other Trump nominees will continue today. We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments.