Here’s How Reporters Are Covering the Los Angeles Wildfires (Updated)

Marc Cota-Robles, anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News
The most in danger we felt was during the overnight hours of the Eaton fire as it consumed homes in Upper Hastings Ranch. The fire had started a few hours earlier. We had to be mindful of powerlines, and of course, flying embers as the winds remained incredibly intense at times. We have training to always prepare for an exit route, making sure our news van is pointed in the right direction to leave in a hurry if necessary. And it goes without saying, we had goggles, masks, and nomex fire gear. All of it is essential to keep us safe. It is not an enjoyable experience healthwise, but it’s part of our job that we have signed up for. And equally gratifying to provide a service to our viewers and community, when they’re wondering what is happening on the streets they evacuated. 

Tony Cabrera, weathercaster and general assignment reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News
This is the most dangerous story I’ve ever covered.  Fortunately, our photographers do a great job selecting live shot locations that help tell the story, but are safe at the same time.  Whenever we felt it was too dangerous, we backed off and found a new spot.  There were a few tense moments when there were flames on both sides of the road and thick black smoke in between that made it hard to see what was ahead of us.  There were also times when the winds really picked up and I was concerned about trees or power lines coming down or debris flying in our direction.  We quickly packed up and went to another location.

Watch behind the scenes footage of ABC News’ Alex Stone in Los Angeles

What should viewers be aware of as coverage continues?

Stephanie Sy, national correspondent for PBS News Hour
Like many disasters this will likely play out as one that is about the haves and have nots among us. There is loss and grief all around but in the aftermath the most vulnerable are the ones without family or friends to shelter them, or without the financial cushion to weather the storm ahead. And I know we will keep trying to cover those stories at News Hour. 

Tim Wieland, regional general manager and president for CBS News Los Angeles and CBS News Colorado
We have been on the air and streaming our coverage and warnings around the wildfire since 10 a.m. PT yesterday, and we will continue to provide on-the-ground reporting for our viewers, keeping them updated and informed with as much information as we can, as it’s happening. If you don’t live in the area but have family and are concerned, or you have evacuated but you have your phone, you can go straight to the CBS News Los Angeles app and watch the coverage all day today.   

We also want viewers to know that CBS Los Angeles has “The Desk,” which provides viewers with full access behind the scenes to what is happening during the wildfire as we receive the information. Assignment editors Mark Liu and, later in the day, Mike Rogers, will keep viewers informed all day. As we receive breaking news in our newsroom, they will receive the news, in addition to the on-the-ground reporting. We will also continue to update viewers on evacuation centers and shelters, and only when we can, will we update viewers who have called in asking if certain businesses have burned down or have survived.