L.A. Wildfires: Where Things Stand After A Very Hard Week

Firefighters in L.A. made good progress over the weekend. But the death toll from the L.A. wildfires rose to at least 24 people, and thousands of structures have been destroyed. 

The fact that the wind finally cooperated a bit, was a big help. But unfortunately, there is more wind on the horizon today, and through the week.

As of now, neither of the two biggest fires are even close to fully contained: The Palisades Fire near Malibu, and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena. Thousands of homes are still at risk, but the flames have at least moved farther away from the most-populated spots. The smoke did clear in both areas. Here is video of the Palisades fire and here is video of the Altadena fire.

1. Officials upped the death toll to at least 24. They said 16 of those people died in the Eaton Fire, and eight in the Palisades Fire. Thousands of structures have been destroyed. Experts say it could end up being the costliest wildfire in U.S. history. The current estimate is $150 BILLION.

2. It's still not certain if any of the fires in were arson. The Washington Post made a case that the Palisades Fire might have been started by a small, eight-acre fire in area on New Year's Eve. a week earlier, but high winds could have sparked it back up. 

The LAPD arrested a homeless man last Thursday for starting the fire near Calabasas. There's footage of Good Samaritans holding him until police arrived. But over the weekend, officials suggested he maybe didn't do it, calling the allegations "unfounded." One witness said he claimed he only had a blowtorch on him to smoke weed, because he "couldn't afford a lighter." Hmm... They did arrest him on a felony probation charge, and the investigation is ongoing.

3. Police have also been dealing with looters trying to steal stuff while people are still evacuated. One guy busted in Malibu was dressed as a firefighter when he was arrested. Police had detained around 30 people between the two main fires combined.

4. Some dope flew a drone over the Palisades Fire on Thursday, and it collided with a plane dropping water. The plane wound up with a hole in its wing and had to be grounded. It was out of commission all weekend, but they are hoping to get it back up ASAP.

5. Governor Gavin Newsom announced an investigation into why a 117-million-gallon reservoir above Pacific Palisades was drained and offline for repairs when the fire hit. Several experts say the winds were so strong, it wouldn't have saved the Palisades. But it could have kept the hydrants going longer.

6. Whether officials screwed up or not, most say climate change has played a part in the L.A. wildfires.  A poll found two-thirds think it was at least "somewhat" responsible for the fires.

8. State Farm cancelled hundreds of fire insurance policies in the Palisades last summer to avoid, "financial failure" if there was a big fire there. Oh, and Ironically, the playoff game between the L.A. Rams and Minnesota Vikings has been moved to - yep - State Farm Stadium in Arizona. (insert completely exasperated emoji here!)

9.  As expected, the conspiracy crowd is been out in full force. One theory being pushed is that some sort of government 'energy weapon' was used to burn homes, so a secret entity can go in and rebuild. 

10. The term 'evacuation haul' has been trending on TikTok. People showing what they chose to pack up in order to evacuate. Some just grabbed the bare essentials, some grabbed more than that. Even a lot of people who didn't end up evacuating got in on the trend.

The tragic L.A. wildfires have also inspired a whole lot of kindness. 

1. Chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen has set up a bunch of meal distribution sites around the city to make sure first responders, and those affected by the fires, can get something to eat. He's done this before, and continues to do the good work - in tragedy, and beyond.

2. The Rose Bowl is acting as a hub for donations and emergency response efforts.  Vendors have been showing up to hand out free food and supplies.

3. A seafood restaurant an hour south of L.A. called Calico Fish House is now a national donation hub, where people can send stuff. Volunteers have been showing up in trucks to drive supplies up to L.A. They're handing out everything from food and water to diapers and pet food.

4. Mexico sent 72 of their own firefighters to L.A. on Saturday to lend a hand.  Firefighters from other states have also showed up to help, including from right here in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Texas. Even Ukraine is offering to send people.

Tragedy brings out the best - and the worst - in people. Let's hope more of the best keeps coming out. Here's one way you can quickly help.

Nevada campgrounds are probably one of the best ways to see the beautiful silver state of Nevada. And there are some gorgeous spots that can get you up close to nature, like a hotel room cannot.

For those of us who live in Nevada, we already know the state is so much more than just Las Vegas and Reno. But visitors may not know that.

Throughout the state of Nevada, there is a beauty that is unexpected, until you experience it. The low, dry, hot desert of Las Vegas, and the milder high desert, and four seasons of Reno are spectacular.

Las Vegas' Lake Mead, is a beautiful sight in the hot dry desert. Especially in the summer. It's the one refuge that Las Vegas has to cool off. And in Northern Nevada, you have even more lakes to choose from: The natural wonder of beautiful Lake Tahoe, historic Donner Lake, and mysterious Pyramid Lake.

There are countless amazing places to see, and visit, in Nevada. You can go hiking, or visit state park. But if you really want to see Nevada's natural beauty, and get close to it, how about one of the beautiful campgrounds.

According to Only In your State, the Nevada State Park System runs 27 state parks. Each park offers amazing ways to enjoy the beauty of Nevada. You may not be familiar with all of them - or any of them, for that matter. But being a native of Nevada (yes, there are some of us), I can tell you they are all even more beautiful than you could imagine, because I've been there.

Camping might be the best option you never even considered! Here are some of the best campgrounds in Nevada for your next nature exploration adventure.

Valley of Fire is the largest state park in Nevada. It is about 50 minutes outside of Las Vegas, in Moapa. The natural rock formations are absolutely mesmerizing. And the petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs are quite a sight. The park charges a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle with Nevada license plates, $15 for non-Nevada license plates. Cost is $20/night for Nevada residents; $25/night for non-residents. There's an additional $10 charge for utility hookups. Water, restrooms and each site has a shaded picnic table and a grill available.

In Northern Nevada, about a half hour from Reno. Boating, horseback riding, and beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Year round camping with grills, fire pits, picnic tables and a shower in the bathhouse. Very close to Virginia City, and Nevada's Capital of Carson City, as well. There is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle with Nevada, $10 for non-Nevada license plates.  Cost: $15/night for NV residents, $20/night for non-residents. $10 fee for utility hookups.

One of my favorite areas, because it is at Lake Tahoe (Zephyr Cove). I spent a lot of time here growing up. There is nothing more beautiful than Lake Tahoe, to begin with. And camping in the beautiful forested area right at the lake is amazing! At almost a 7000 foot elevation, it's some of the freshest air imaginable. Tent and RV camping are available, and some even have views of the lake. However, the lake is literally a minute long walk away. The cost is about $40 to $45/night.

Beaver Dam State Park is in Caliente, Nevada. It is about 2 hours from Las Vegas. It is very peaceful, and at the Nevada Utah border. Streams, waterfalls, and lots of forest. Drinking water is only available from April through November, but you can camp at Beaver Dam year round. There is a day use fee of $5 per vehicle with NV plates and $10 for non-NV license plates. Cost is $15/night NV residents; $20/night for non-residents.

Pyramid Lake is about 40 miles outside of Reno. It is a very beautiful, and mysterious lakes in Nevada. You'll see some of the strangest, and oddly beautiful rock formations, and reel in some very different fish. The Cui-ui trout - which is only found at Pyramid Lake. Lahontan cutthroat trout, and other varieties of trout. There are several campgrounds, and also Crosby's Lodge - a budget friendly hotel. If you're doing old fashioned tent camping, it's $30/night. RV sites are $40.