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By CAL FIRE_Official - Palisades Fire, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157766656
21 Jan 2025

LA fires - At least 28 dead - 14000 structures destroyed

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Map of the Palisades Fire in LA
Map of the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire where the fires started in in LA in the second week of January, 2025. 

“In the case of an evacuation order being issued, you have to follow that immediately. Seconds could save your life.”

THIS IS AN EVOLVING STORY - STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES

Last Updated January 21, 2025, 10:00 am Pacific Time 

The return of strong winds with gusts up to 100 mph in mountainous regions and up to 70 mph in coastal areas, has heightened the risk of rapid fire spread. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 10:00 PM tonight across several counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego. 

CAL FIRE

 

As of January 21, 2025, the greater Los Angeles area is grappling with multiple wildfires exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. The most significant, the Palisades Fire, has consumed over 23,000 acres, leading to mass evacuations and substantial property loss. 

Vox

 

The Eaton Fire in Altadena has burned approximately 14,000 acres, while the Hurst Fire near San Fernando, covering around 799 acres, is mostly contained. Collectively, these fires have resulted in at least 27 fatalities and the destruction of over 14,000 structures. 

AP News

In response to the crisis, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles is collaborating with federal and local partners to form a task force aimed at combating crimes related to the wildfires. 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 

The situation remains dynamic, with firefighters still working  to contain the wildfires  amid challenging weather conditions. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders and safety guidelines.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Latest Developments

Vox

Live updates: Wildfires spread across Los Angeles

Today

AP News

Dangerous winds return to Southern California as new wildfires break out

Today

New York Post

Wildfires completely devastated communities in Los Angeles including the Pacific Palisades and Altadena

 

Last Updated January 16, 2025, 11:15 Pacific Time:

As of Thursday, January 16, 2025, firefighting efforts in Los Angeles have seen significant progress due to easing winds and favourable weather conditions. 

The National Weather Service has reported a decrease in wind intensity, allowing firefighters to enhance containment lines around major fires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has stated that the improved weather has been instrumental in their ongoing efforts to control the blazes. 

Los Angeles Fire Department

25 people are confirmed dead and 30 more are still missing. More human remains are being discovered as burned buildings are being searched. The death toll is expected to rise. 

 

Last updated January 14at 11:30 Pacific Time

Winds are expected to become more intense midmorning Tuesday in Los Angeles and “critical fire weather conditions will continue,” forecasters predict.  Firefighters are continuing to try to control the fires that killed at least 24 people. 

The expected winds could cause “explosive fire growth,” according to the National Weather Service.

As of January 14, 2025, there have been reports of new fires and additional evacuation orders announced in the greater Los Angeles area. 

  1. New Fire Outbreaks: Several new fires have ignited in different parts of the region, contributing to an already tense situation. Firefighters are responding rapidly to these incidents to contain them before they spread further.
  2. According to several sources, a new fire has erupted in Ventura. 
  3.  
  4. Evacuation Orders: In light of the new fires, officials have expanded evacuation orders to include more neighborhoods. Residents in these areas have been urged to leave immediately to ensure their safety as conditions remain volatile.
  5.  
  6. Firefighting Response: Firefighting resources have been stretched as multiple blazes occur simultaneously, leading to coordinated efforts among various agencies to combat the fires effectively.
  7. Fire Containment Efforts: Firefighters have been actively working to contain multiple fires in the region, employing ground and aerial resources. Containment lines have been established, and crews are engaging in direct firefighting tactics to manage the situation.
  8. Evacuations: Authorities have issued evacuation orders for specific communities near the fire zones to ensure the safety of residents. Emergency services continue to provide support to those displaced by the fires.
  9. Air Quality Concerns: The fires have raised significant air quality issues across Los Angeles County, prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay indoors. Public health officials have advised residents to monitor air quality reports.
  10. Response Coordination: The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is coordinating with various agencies, including Cal Fire and local state resources, to address the potential spread of the fires and ensure a rapid response to any new incidents.
  11. Community Support: Various local organizations and the city have initiated support programs for affected individuals and families, including shelters and resources for those displaced by the fires.

For continuous updates and in-depth coverage, please check the following news sources:

 

 

Last updated: January 13, 2025, 10:30 Pacific Time 

On Tuesday January , fires flared up in several different locations in Los Angeles. Dry vegetation and strong gusts of wind led to an extremely rapid spread. Strong winds have also complicated the firefighting efforts.

Six fires have been reported in the greater Los Angeles area since Tuesday. The largest fire is ongoing in the Pacific Palisades area in southwestern Los Angeles. The next largest fire is occurring in Eaton in northern Los Angeles. The spread was explosive. In the Palisades, the flames spread from 8 to 80 acres in just 20 minutes. Additional smaller fires have broken out in recent days in Hurst, Lidia, and Archer in northern Los Angeles and in Kenneth in western Los Angeles.

On Monday morning, 24 people were reported dead in the fires. Thousands of homes have burned down, and many of them are unsafe to search for survivors. Therefore, authorities fear that the death toll will rise. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate. Homes from all socioeconomic classes have burned down, from working- and middle-class to wealthy Hollywood celebrities. 

The causes of the fires are still under investigation. The most common cause is human activity, either intentional or accidental, according to the federal organization NIFC. When the vegetation is dry, it only takes a small spark for the fire to ignite.

Two weather phenomena have contributed to the rapid spread of the fires. One is the seasonal winds known as the Santa Ana winds. They bring dry and warm air from the inland desert landscape down over the mountains toward the California coast. These winds are typical for this time of year but have been exceptionally strong this year.

The second factor is that there has been an unusually long dry spell. January is usually one of the wettest months of the year in California. Climate change means more extreme fluctuations between dry and wet periods, which may have affected the overlap of these weather phenomena.

Is this the worst fire in California's history? The fires in the ten-million-inhabitant city of Los Angeles occur in densely populated areas, which is why it is being called the most devastating fire in the city's history. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed, and the costs are already estimated to exceed 150 billion USD.

The largest fire by area in California's history was the "Park Fire" in Northern California last summer, which burned an area of 1,738 square kilometers. In comparison, the fires in Los Angeles cover 145 square kilometers. 

The deadliest fire was the "Camp Fire" in 2018 in Northern California, which resulted in 85 deaths.

 

Photo still image from PTZ Camera on roof of high rise in Downtown Los Angeles - taken of Palisades Fire at peak intensity  By Toastt21 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157682430CNN wrote on Monday January 13: 

At least 24 people have died, and dozens are missing, but officials say it’s not yet safe to assess the true total. Here’s what we know about the victims.

• Questions over LA’s preparedness for the firestorm have led to political finger-pointing. Experts tell CNN the region faced a devastating combination of circumstances.

• The Eaton and Palisades Fires are likely the second and fourth most destructive in California history, according to Cal Fire. Wildfires are fueled by a knot of factors but scientists say global warming is loading the dice in favor of more severe blazes. And California is uniquely susceptible to climate change.

 

Winds expected to pick up - could mean extremely swift evacuation orders: "Seconds could save your life"

According to Los Angeles Times,  only a day after making some progress containing the Eaton fires and protecting Brentwood and Encino from the Palisades fire, firefighters across Los Angeles County were bracing for another round of powerful winds that could threaten new communities and hamper efforts to contain the firestorms.

“There will be the potential — especially late Monday night through Wednesday — for explosive fire growth as those winds pick back up,” said Ariel Cohen, the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service office in Oxnard. 

 
 
Photo Credits: (Wikipedia Commons Licenses)
Cover photo above: A Chase Bank branch on Sunset Boulevard burning on January 8. 
By CAL FIRE_Official - Palisades Fire, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157766656
Below: 
Photo still image from PTZ Camera on roof of high rise in Downtown Los Angeles - taken of Palisades Fire at peak intensity
By Toastt21 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157682430
 

 

Federal State of Emergency declared in California - 10 dead - almost half a million evacuated or preparing to evacuate

 

This text below is from January 10, 2025 

The most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles' modern history have claimed several lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Currently, multiple fires are raging, three of which are out of control.

Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the recent wildfires, with initial estimates indicating substantial losses. In the Palisades, more than 5,300 structures are believed to have been affected, based on preliminary data from aerial infrared scans. In the Altadena area, the Eaton fire is estimated to have damaged or destroyed at least 4,000 structures. These figures, though preliminary, suggest this week’s wildfire disaster could rank among the most devastating in terms of property damage.

 

The costliest wildfire in US history?

“This has the potential to be, at least collectively, the costliest wildfire disaster in American history,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said.

More than 20 people have so far been arrested on suspicion of looting in areas where residents have been evacuated to escape the violent wildfires, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Currently, nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, and warnings have been issued for an additional 200,000 individuals.

The Los Angeles police have called in the National Guard to assist with traffic control and to protect critical infrastructure.

  • "They are here to ensure people stay away so that those affected don't suffer even more," says Sheriff Robert Luna.

Luna has requested a curfew to be imposed from 6 PM to 6 AM in the evacuated areas of Palisades and Eaton.

 

Drone collided with Canadair water bomber

A drone collided with a Canadair CL-415 "Super Scooper" firefighting aircraft over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, damaging the plane's wing and forcing it to land. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that the drone "put a hole in the wing," rendering the aircraft inoperable. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident and considering enforcement actions against the drone operator. Unauthorized drones have been interfering with firefighting efforts, posing significant risks to aerial operations and ground crews. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/10/drone-firefighting-aircraft-palisades-fire/77587949007/

Wikipedia

 

 

Criticism against authorities for wildfire managment: "Firefighters are trained to manage shortages"

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism for her handling of the wildfires threatening the city's eastern and western areas. Meanwhile, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom, sparking debate over preparedness and water resources.

Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley has stated that water supply remains a challenge during the fires but emphasized that firefighters are trained to manage shortages.

In a statement, Karen Bass underscored that safety is the top priority and promised a thorough evaluation once the fires are under control.

The death toll from the fires has risen to ten, according to health authorities in Los Angeles. However, the number of fatalities is expected to increase further as rescue teams gain access to the fire-ravaged areas.

At least 10,000 structures, spanning from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, have been destroyed in the fires, reports the Associated Press (AP).

Authorities warn that the identification of the deceased may take weeks to complete. This is due to medical personnel facing difficulties reaching the sites where the victims were found, as well as the inability to use standard identification methods such as fingerprints and visual identification.

 

Palisades Beach area after the fire.

Palisades Beach area after the fire.  Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons License. By Alfred Twu - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35034780

 

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have led to significant devastation and prompted various responses from authorities. Here are some key developments:

 

Casualties and Damage

  • Death Toll: The fires have claimed at least 10 lives, with officials warning that the number may rise as rescue teams access more areas. 

    AP News

     

  • Property Destruction: Approximately 10,000 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed across regions from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena. 

    The Scottish Sun

     

Evacuations and Warnings

  • Mandatory Evacuations: Nearly 180,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate due to the advancing fires. 

    The Guardian

     

  • Evacuation Warnings: An additional 200,000 individuals are under evacuation warnings, prepared to leave if conditions worsen. 

    The Scottish Sun

     

 

  • The Independent

     

  • National Guard Deployment: The California National Guard has been deployed to assist with traffic control and protect critical infrastructure in affected zones. 

    CBS News

     

  • Curfews Implemented: A curfew from 6 PM to 6 AM has been imposed in evacuation zones, including the Palisades and Eaton areas, to prevent unauthorized access and further protect property. 

    NBC Los Angeles

     

Official Responses and Challenges

  • Mayor Karen Bass: Facing criticism for her handling of the crisis, Mayor Bass emphasized that safety is the top priority and promised a thorough evaluation once the fires are under control. 

    The Times

     

     

Additional Information

  • Identification of Deceased: Authorities caution that identifying victims may take weeks due to access difficulties and the condition of remains, which complicate standard identification methods.

    The Scottish Sun

For more detailed coverage and updates, you can refer to the following sources:

Please stay tuned to local news outlets and official channels for the latest information and safety instructions.

Latest Updates on Los Angeles Wildfires

The Scottish Sun

Death toll rises to 10 as wildfires turn LA into 'war zone' with 10,000 homes burned down & $150billion worth of damage

Today

 

AP News

Wildfires latest: 10 confirmed dead as firefighters work to contain blazes in Los Angeles area

Today

The Times

First victims identified as LA wildfires continue

Today

Image removed.

Sources

 

Last updated January 9th, 07:30 Pacific Time

The wildfires in Los Angeles have led to significant devastation, with at least five fatalities and the destruction of nearly 2,000 structures. The fires, which began on Tuesday, have rapidly expanded, covering over 7,000 hectares by Thursday. 

President Joe Biden declared a federal emergency on Wednesday in response to the crisis. The Pacific Palisades neighbourhood is among the hardest-hit areas, with fires also reported near Hollywood Boulevard. 

More than 100,000 residents have been evacuated as thick smoke and ash blanket the city. The National Weather Service warns of continued strong winds, low humidity, and drought conditions, indicating a "critical fire danger" persists.

For more detailed coverage of the Los Angeles wildfires, you can refer to the following sources:

These sources provide comprehensive information on the ongoing situation, including evacuation zones, affected areas, and safety advisories.

Latest Updates on Los Angeles Wildfires

Vox

Live updates: Wildfires spread across Los Angeles

Today

New York Post

Deadly LA fires devastate southern California as hurricane-force winds fuel flames, 300K residents flee

Today

 

News.com.au

Celeb catches 'arsonist' on video amid fires

Today 

 

Original post from January 8:

In early January 2025, Los Angeles County faced multiple wildfires fuelled by extremely strong winds and dry conditions, leading to significant destruction and evacuations. As of Wednesday morning, January 8th,  two had already died in the fires.  

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, securing federal assistance for firefighting efforts. 

Later in the afternoon, officials said that an additional five deaths had been confirmed in the Eaton Fire, also in the same approximate area. 

The Palisades Fire ignited near the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, rapidly expanding to over 5,000 acres with 0% containment. igh winds hindered firefighting efforts, preventing aerial water drops.

The massive fire erupted in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, scorched over 2,900 acres by evening and prompting mandatory evacuations for approximately 30,000 residents by Wednesday morning. By the afternoon, that number had been raised to 70 to 80,000 residents evacuated. 

By the afternoon on January 8th, at least 70,000 residents were reported to have been evacuated.

Winds have reportedly been so high that water bombers have not been able to fly.  

 

Photo Credit:
By Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2025, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157664282

 

Windstorms makes Palisades Fire Explodes to Nearly 3,000 Acres, Forcing Thousands to Flee

The fire was fuelled by a "life-threatening and destructive" windstorm, has destroyed homes and caused gridlock as residents attempted to flee.

The fire began around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday January 7 near Piedra Morada Drive and quickly spread due to intense wind gusts. 

By 6:30 p.m., it had crossed major roads, including Palisades Drive, and reached sites like the Getty Villa and Palisades Charter High School. 

Firefighters battled fires under severe red flag warnings as winds reached 60 to 70 mph, with even stronger gusts expected overnight.

 

State of Emergency declared since Tuesday morning

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon, securing federal assistance. “This is a hell of a way to start a new year,” he remarked during a visit to the affected area, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders.

Firefighters reported several homes burned, though an exact count was unavailable. Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department described the conditions as grim, with erratic winds and dry terrain fueling the fire's unpredictability.

Officials have warned that the worst wind conditions, with gusts up to 100 mph (161 kmph / 45 meters per second) in some areas, may occur overnight, creating additional challenges for firefighters. 

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain described the event as “a doozy,” with widespread and dangerous conditions not typical of Santa Ana winds.

Forecasters say this is one of the most severe wind events since the 2011 windstorm that caused widespread damage in the region. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings and highlighted the risk of "extreme fire behaviour and long-range spotting."

The cause of the Palisades Fire remains under investigation.

 

Impact and Response: Water shortages for firefighters

The wildfires resulted in at least two civilian fatalities near Pasadena and displaced thousands of residents. 

Firefighters faced challenges due to water shortages from dry fire hydrants, complicating containment efforts.

 Power outages affected over 377,000 Californians, with preemptive cuts by Southern California Edison. 

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, securing federal assistance for firefighting efforts. 

The fires also led to the evacuation of high-profile residents in affected areas. The causes of the fires remain under investigation, though strong winds and dry conditions are significant contributing factors. 

 

Here are some other significant fires on and around January 7th: 

 

Eaton Fire

Another significant blaze, the Eaton Fire, erupted in the Altadena-Pasadena region, quickly spreading to over 1,000 acres. Evacuations were ordered in Pasadena, northern Sierra Madre, and Arcadia. The fire engulfed several structures, including the AltaMed Medical Center. Wikipedia

 

Hurst Fire

The Hurst Fire in northern Sylmar rapidly spread, prompting immediate evacuation orders for areas north of the Foothill Freeway between Roxford Street and the Interstate 5–Interstate 14 split. Wikipedia

 

 

 

Additional Information:

Business Insider

Reuters

Business Insider

The untamed wildfires still tearing through LA have killed two, torched homes and displaced thousands

El País

Los Ángeles, cercada por el fuego: la ciudad amanece con tres enormes incendios, dos muertos y 70.000 evacuados

New York Post

Firefighters running out of water as fires tear through Los Angeles