I'd heard there have been 5 documented deaths so far, but didn't know from where. A little while ago, my first cousin sent me pictures of the ashes that are all that's left of his daughter & son-in-law's house from the Eaton fire.  (Plus, we recently learned they're expecting their first child.) Thankfully, they're safe, and staying with his parents.
Winds this strong, and this time of the year are unusual, in spite of what some newscasters have said. Most Santa Ana wind events usually occur during August through October, and usually bring hot weather for a few days. That used to be known as fire season here. This time of year is supposed to be the beginning of what passes for a rainy season here.
I just heard someone with the National Weather Service on TV tell everyone to not go to bed without multiple ways to receive alerts. Unfortunately, as I learned last night, that's easier said than done if the power goes out. My phone had enough charge, but no reception, since cell towers apparently lost power, too.
It's an eye-opening warning to everyone everywhere about emergency preparation. I've always thought that there was little need for power back-up/generators around here, but I might have to rethink that. Wouldn't help if cell service was down, but radio/TV reception would hopefully still be possible - unless the emergency was "the big one"... 
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