It's the Brian Laira show on WNYC. Good morning again, everyone. And we'll talk now about the

devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles. We'll have an urban wildfires expert join us in just

a second here. But this segment is also largely for you to call in on. If you are in the area now,

I know we have Southern California listeners, or if you know anyone there, to talk about the impact

on people. 212-433, WNYC. 433-9-6-9-2. Help us report this story and say anything you want to

say on the radio about how you're being affected or anyone you know is being affected.

212-433-9-692 caller text.

And of course anyone not connected to LA can call in as well if you want to ask a question.

212-433 WNYC.

As your calls are coming in and your texts, I'll give you some of the stats as of this morning from various news reports.

The LA Times identifies four major fires named the Palisades, Eaton, Sunset, and Hurst fires.

They report 2,000 structures burned so far.

130,000 people have been told to evacuate their homes.

At least five people have been reported

killed. That's actually considered low and good, they say, considering the extent of the fires,

but it's still five lives lost. An entire neighborhood, Pacific Palisades, has been destroyed.

NBC News says 23,000 people lived there until this week.

They report on a number of celebrities who have lost their homes. Michael was just mentioning

some of them as well, Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, John Goodman, among others I've heard,

naming those well-known names just as an indication that even wealth and fame and the privilege

of living in an exclusive area where they can afford whatever prevention money can buy

haven't insulated people in this case. In fact, the New York Times reports that residents of

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