January 2025 Southern California wildfires

Last updated
January 2025 Southern California wildfires
2025 Palisades Fire Seen From Palisades Drive.jpg
The Palisades Fire seen from Palisades Drive
Date(s)January 7, 2025
Location Los Angeles County and Ventura County, California, United States
Statistics
Perimeter0% contained
Burned arearoughly 27,162 acres (10,992 ha; 42 sq mi; 110 km2)
Impacts
DeathsAt least 5
Non-fatal injuries"Several" burn injuries
Evacuated>80,000
Structures destroyed>1,000
Ignition
CauseUnder investigation, exacerbated by severe windstorm and drought conditions

The January 2025 Southern California wildfires are an ongoing series of wildfires affecting the Los Angeles metropolitan area and surrounding regions starting January 7, 2025, which were associated with meteorological conditions including hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, very low humidity, and prolonged drought conditions that led to extreme fire danger. Weather officials designated the associated windstorm as potentially the most severe to affect the region since the 2011 Davis County windstorm, prompting several rare particularly dangerous situation warnings. The conditions led to several power outages and caused multiple wildfire outbreaks, such as the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and the Hurst Fire.

Contents

Meteorology

The event featured Santa Ana winds of exceptional intensity, with forecasted gusts reaching 50 to 80 miles per hour (80 to 129 km/h) in populated areas of the Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the San Gabriel Valley and the Los Angeles Basin which in prior wind events had been protected due to their lower elevations. Higher elevations were predicted to experience even more extreme conditions, with wind speeds anticipated between 80 to 100 miles per hour (130 to 160 km/h). [1]

Dry vegetation exacerbated the dangerous conditions, with many parts of Southern California experiencing severe drought, the driest start to the rainy season on record, and the driest 9-month period on record prior to the start of the wind event and subsequent fires. [2] [3]

The National Weather Service Los Angeles office described the windstorm as potentially "life-threatening". The NWS predicted that winds would "accelerate to dangerous levels" beginning on the afternoon of January 7, and would last through early January 8 for Southern California. The NWS warned that the "destructive" winds would likely result in widespread power outages and downed trees. [1] It predicted that it would be the region's "most destructive windstorm seen since 2011". [4]

The NWS also issued its most severe category of red flag warning with the Particularly Dangerous Situation, for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, indicating extreme fire danger. The warning specifically emphasized the possibility of rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior due to the combination of powerful winds and low humidity levels. Southern California had experienced increasing aridity since late Summer 2024, as storm systems predominantly affected the Pacific Northwest instead. By late December 2024, most of Los Angeles County had entered moderate drought status, creating heightened fire vulnerability due to desiccated vegetation in what was traditionally the region's wet season. [1] [5]

By the morning of January 7, an anemometer in Magic Mountain Truck Trail in Santa Clarita reported wind speeds of 84 miles per hour (135 km/h), Escondido Canyon reported 62 miles per hour (100 km/h), and the Van Nuys Airport reported 55 miles per hour (89 km/h), based on the National Weather Service. [6] The NWS reported at 6:19 pm PST that the windstorm could become Southern California's strongest wind event of 2025, especially in its valleys. [7]

Preparation

On January 6, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated he would delegate 65 fire engines, seven helicopters, seven water tenders, and 109 workers towards combating any wildfires that arose. [5] Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass issued warnings to residents to avoid wind-downed power lines, and emphasized the risk of the windstorm becoming one of the most significant in over a decade. [8]

Southern California Edison, the area's primary electricity provider, anticipated possible power disruptions affecting up to 400,000 of its 5 million customers, and proposed cutting off power in order to prevent fires from starting due to faulty equipment. [1] San Diego Gas & Electric also stated that it would cut power prior to the onset of extreme weather. [5]

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District stated that it would close all its schools in Malibu for January 7 "due to worsening weather conditions and safety concerns." [5] Los Angeles Unified School District stated that it would temporarily relocate several Pacific Palisades schools and limit outdoor activities to protect against wind. Sections of Pacific Coast Highway were closed due the risk of severe winds causing danger for traffic. [8]

In advance of potential wildfires, all 114 tanks making up Los Angeles' water infrastructure were filled. [9]

Lead-up

On January 7, during the onset of the windstorm, the City of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency in anticipation of heightening winds. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a dust storm warning for several counties in Southern California, warning that the harsh winds could blow dust and soil into the air, allowing it to be inhaled. [10]

A news conference held by United States President Joe Biden in Coachella Valley to sign proclamations for the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument was cancelled due to excessive winds. [6] [11] Dozens of trees were downed throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including in Pasadena. [11]

At midday, the event caused power outages for over 20,000 customers. [12] Southern California Edison implemented extensive preventive power shutoffs as the windstorm intensified, affecting thousands of customers across the region to minimize the risk of electrical equipment igniting additional fires. The utility company monitored conditions for potential additional shutoffs, marking this as the third such preventive measure in three months. [13] [14]

Several flights were delayed due to the intensity of the winds, with pilots being given warnings to not fly close to terrain. [12] The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a temporary stop to ground activities at the Hollywood Burbank Airport, following strong wind gusts forcing multiple go-arounds. Southwest Airlines diverted or cancelled several flights due to strong winds present at Ontario and Burbank airports. [8]

Wildfires

The extreme intensity of the windstorm coupled with dry vegetation due to prolonged drought conditions caused fires to spread rapidly, and caused embers to fly and set spot fires far away. [8] [15]

Palisades Fire

Palisades Fire viewed from the shoreline Palisades Fire (54254705864).jpg
Palisades Fire viewed from the shoreline

A significant blaze, dubbed the Palisades Fire, ignited near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, rapidly expanding to encompass 5,000 acres (2,000 ha; 7.8 sq mi; 20 km2). This fire necessitated mandatory evacuations along sections of the Pacific Coast Highway and surrounding areas, with the Westwood Recreation Center serving as an emergency shelter. [1] [16] During midday, the fire was reportedly expanding at a rate equal to "three football fields of land per minute", with firefighters attempting to work despite strong winds. [17] Immediate evacuation orders were issued for residents of Santa Monica living north of San Vicente Boulevard. [18] At 12:11 pm PST on January 8, the City of Malibu urged all residents that had not left already to prepare to evacuate due to the fire being uncontained. [19] Evacuation orders were given for the LA neighborhood of Brentwood. [8] As of 1:23 pm PST on January 8, the fire has burned 15,832 acres (6,407 ha; 24.738 sq mi; 64.07 km2). [16]

Eaton Fire

Shortly after January 7 at 6:15 pm PST, a brush fire in Eaton Canyon in the Altadena-Pasadena region, dubbed the Eaton Fire, was first reported with an area of 20 acres (8.1 ha; 0.031 sq mi; 0.081 km2). By 7:12 pm, the fire had grown to at least 200 acres (81 ha; 0.31 sq mi; 0.81 km2) in size, with Los Angeles County Fire Captain Sheila Kelliher remarking that the fire would grow rapidly due to the ongoing windstorm. [20] [21] Within six hours, the Eaton Fire had grown to 1,000 acres in size. The Terraces at Park Marino evacuated 95 senior citizens, with images showing many in wheelchairs and wearing only gowns. [18] Evacuations were later expanded in Pasadena and in northern Sierra Madre and Arcadia. The AltaMed Medical Center and several residences in Hastings Ranch were "engulfed in flames". [22] By January 8 at 10:36 am PST, the fire had jumped to 10,600 acres. [23] At midday, the fire began to advance into residential zones of Pasadena. All of La Cañada Flintridge was ordered to evacuate. [8] Five people have died in the fire. [24]

Hurst Fire

At 10:10 pm PST, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a 50 acres (20 ha; 0.078 sq mi; 0.20 km2) brushfire in northern Sylmar, dubbed the Hurst Fire, had a "rapid rate of spread", and instituted immediate evacuation orders for all areas north of the Foothill Freeway between Roxford Street and the Interstate 5–California State Route 14 split. [25] By noon on January 8, the fire had grown to 700 acres. [26]

Additional fires

At 5 am, a fire started in a homeless tent city within the Santa Ana riverbed, and burnt down several makeshift residences and belongings, a recreational vehicle, and several vehicles. The fire grew to one acre before firefighters extinguished it, with no injuries reported. [27]

Firefighters responded to a separate blaze in the Hollywood Hills vicinity of Los Angeles County near Sunset Boulevard. [1] The brush fire was extinguished shortly after it ignited. [28]

At 3:44 pm PST, a brush fire dubbed the Gulch Fire was reported to the north of Santa Clarita, close to Dry Gulch Mountainway and San Francisquito Canyon Road. The fire was held to one acre in area. [29]

At 9:06 pm PST, the 1.5 acre Bert Fire was reported in Pasadena, which grew to three acres by 9:16 pm. Its blown embers produced spot fires that threatened nearby structures in the neighborhood. [30]

On January 8 at 3:03 am PST, the Tyler Fire was reported in Coachella, Riverside County. The fire spread to fifteen acres and destroyed two structures before its forward progress was held by firefighters. [19]

At roughly 6:15 am PST, the Woodley Fire ignited and burned 75 acres near the Sepulveda Basin. [19] It was revised to 30 acres. [31]

The Olivas Fire was reported at 10:44 am PST spreading along the coast of Ventura, Ventura County. The fire grew to 11 acres, with one injury reported. [32] [33]

The Lidia Fire was reported at around 1:10 PM PST. The fire grew to 50 acres within an hour. Evacuation orders were issued for some areas near Acton. [34] Metrolink halted service in the area. [35]

Impact

At least two fatalities were attributed to the Eaton Fire, and more than 100 structures were reported destroyed. [19] Several burn injuries were reported, and a 25-year-old firefighter suffered a "serious head injury". [8] At roughly 9:00 pm PST, many burn victims walked towards Duke’s Malibu restaurant, where they were medically treated and transferred to hospitals. [22]

Structural damage

Wildfire Alliance statistics indicated that the Palisades fire alone was by far the most destructive in the Los Angeles region, with at least 1,000 structures destroyed, surpassing the Sayre Fire which destroyed 604 structures in 2008, and the Bel Air Fire which destroyed nearly 500 houses in 1961. [36]

The Reel Inn, a 36-year old seafood restaurant, was confirmed by its owners to have been destroyed in the Palisades Fire. [18] The Palisades Charter High School was "engulfed" by the fire after the wildfire reached the site at roughly 4 pm PST. No one was in the school due to it being out for winter break. Vegetation and trees near the Getty Villa burned, with no structural damage being reported as of 5:20 pm PST. [8] The fire also spread to the Palisades Charter Elementary School. [22] Several beachfront properties in Malibu were destroyed by the wildfire. Dozens of cars abandoned on highways during evacuations were completely burnt, with bulldozers having to force several vehicles out of the way in order for firefighters to access burning areas. [19] The Eaton Fire destroyed the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. [37] CBS News journalist Jonathan Vigliotti reported that "most everything is gone" in downtown Pacific Palisades aside from the local mall, and described the damage as "beyond comprehension." He also reported that embers from existing fires were being "blown more than a mile" by the severe windstorm and creating spot fires. [38] The Malibu Feed Bin and Theater Palisades' Pierson Playhouse were destroyed in the Palisades fire. [8]

Power outages

By the night of January 7, nearly 50,000 customers suffered power outages, 28,300 under the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and 21,699 under Southern California Edison. [39] The number in the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone increased to over 200,000 by around 9:30 pm PST, with outages reported in Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank. [8] On January 8, power outages in the LA metro area reached close to 400,000. [38]

Air quality

Winds blew wildfire smoke across Los Angeles, leading to several "very unhealthy" air quality index readings of over 200, with the PM2.5 of the Harrison ES station reaching 184.1 µg/m³, or 36.8 times the annual World Health Organization guideline value. [8] [40] [41] Air quality peaked at 569 µg/m³ in the region, representing the most hazardous category and necessitating avoidance of all outdoor activity. [42] UCLA Health pulmonologist May-Lin Wilgus expected LA residents to suffer from burning eyes and irritation due to the concentrated smoke, and urged residents with underlying health conditions such as COPD and asthma to avoid all outdoor activity and to close all doors and windows while running air conditioning. Los Angeles City Council president Marqueece Harris-Dawson reported that visibility had fallen below one block in Southern Los Angeles, and urged residents to avoid driving when possible. [8]

School closures

At least nineteen Los Angeles school districts announced school closures. [43] Pepperdine University closed its Calabasas and Malibu campuses. [19]

Entertainment industry

Due to severe winds and fire danger, Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Pictures both cancelled the premieres of Wolf Man and Unstoppable which were both planned to be shown in Hollywood. [39] Universal Studios closed its Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and Universal CityWalk. [19] The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards cancelled a live announcement of its nominees, instead releasing the list via press release. [38] The 30th Annual Critics' Choice Awards, intended to be held on January 12 in Santa Monica, were postponed to January 26. [44] Several Hollywood entertainment headquarters and production centers were shut down, resulting in postponed production of several shows and movies such as Grey's Anatomy , NCIS , NCIS: Origins , Hacks , Ted Lasso , Jimmy Kimmel Live! , After Midnight , Fallout , On Call , and The Last Showgirl . [8]

The National Hockey League postponed a January 8 game at the Crypto.com arena in downtown Los Angeles between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames due to the ongoing wildfires. [8]

Wind damage

Hundreds of trees were reported to have fallen due to strong wind gusts during the accompanying windstorm. Roughly ten semi-trucks were blown over on a section of Route 210 close to Fontana. Multiple flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport were delayed or cancelled due to strong winds. [8]

Civil impacts

Two people were arrested for looting residences during the wildfires. [45]

Transportation

The LA Metro had suspended fares on January 8, 2025 as a result of the intermittent power outages. The power outages had made it difficult for LA Metro users to buy and load fare cards. Some Los Angeles bus lines also closed while some were detoured as a result of the wind and wildfire damage to the city. [36]

Response

Dozens of fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades were reported by firefighting personnel to have little to no water flow during initial firefighting efforts to control the Palisades Fire. The chief executive officer of the Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power, Janisse Quiñones reported that all fire hydrants in the area "went dry" by around 3 am PST on January 8. The emptying of water tanks worsened the lack of pressure in the city's trunk lines to transport water to higher areas, with firefighters being unable to reach pump stations to aid transport due to the fire spreading out of control. [9] Quiñones reported that the response to the fires caused "tremendous demand on our [water] system", with water supplies for firefighting "being emptied three times in less than 24 hours". The Fire Department was forced to add 75 cubic feet per second on its water lines in order to maintain enough water pressure. Firefighters resorted to delegating construction personnel to transport water tanks to areas requiring them. [19] LA County Public Works director Mark Pestrella requested that evacuating residents turn off their water and gas lines so more water could go to firefighting efforts. [8]

Los Angeles County Fire Department issued urgent requests for firefighters from Ventura, Orange, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties to aid in firefighting efforts. Firefighters and first responders from Oregon, Nevada, and Washington traveled to assist firefighting efforts. [19] LA County Fire Department chief Anthony Marrone reported that there was not enough firefighting personnel between the county's 29 fire departments to combat the wildfires. [8]

Intensifying wind gusts at 7 pm PST on January 7 resulted in the mass grounding of firefighting aircraft, preventing firefighters from providing air support to slow wildfire spread. Sudden movements in wind gust direction resulted further complicated firefighting efforts by putting different areas at risk. [8]

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena was designated an evacuation shelter for large animals, with the Pasadena Humane Society being designated a corresponding evacuation shelter for small animals. [38]

At midday on January 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the California National Guard. [33] US President Joe Biden ordered the Department of Defense to provide firefighting personnel and equipment. US Navy helicopters were deployed from San Diego, and the Nevada National Guard and United States Forest Service deployed fire engines to combat the wildfires. [46]

Reactions

Los Angeles councilwoman Traci Park stated that the wildfires were "a devastating loss, for all of Los Angeles”. [8] Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna condemned looting attempts amid the wildfires, and warned that anyone who took advantage of the fire to steal in impacted areas that: "...you're going to be caught, you're going to be arrested, and you're going to be prosecuted". [45]

Governor of California Gavin Newsom urged residents to follow evacuation orders, and stated to the incoming Trump administration that “I’m not here to play any politics” after he contacted President Joe Biden to receive federal fire assistance with "No politics, no handwringing, no kissing of the feet." [8] He later cancelled his trip to Washington, D.C., where he had planned to attend Jimmy Carter's memorial service.

President Joe Biden offered any federal assistance needed to suppress the Palisades Fire. [47] In addition, Vice President Kamala Harris urged people to heed the guidance of local officials. [48]

Local residents gave large amounts of harsh criticism on social media to Los Angeles city officials and the Department of Water and Power (DWP) for their lack of preparation in maintaining adequate water supplies and flow across the city. Real estate developer and runner up in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election Rick Caruso strongly criticized Karen Bass and Los Angeles' inadequate firefighting infrastructure, noting how several firefighters were unable to do anything about residences and businesses burning around them. [9]

List of wildfires

The following is a list of notable wildfires that occured during the event.

NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef.
Riverside San Bernardino 1January 7January 7Burned multiple makeshift residences and several vehicles. [49] [50]
Sunset Los Angeles 1.5January 7January 7Threatened structures. [51]
Palisades Los Angeles 15,832January 7
0% contained
Evacuations forced; destroying homes in Pacific Palisades, northwest of Santa Monica. Associated with extremely powerful Santa Ana wind event. [52] [53] [54]
Gulch Los Angeles 1January 7January 7 [55]
King Los Angeles 1January 7January 7Multiple fires started in Inglewood. [56]
Eaton Los Angeles 10,600January 7
0% contained
Evacuations forced; destroying structures in Altadena & Pasadena. Associated with extremely powerful Santa Ana wind event. [57]
Huntington Los Angeles 2January 7January 7Multiple fires started in Inglewood. [58]
Bert Los Angeles 3January 7January 7Possibly involved structures, spotting through neighborhoods in Pasadena. [59]
Hurst Los Angeles 700January 7
0% contained
Evacuations forced. Associated with extremely powerful Santa Ana wind event. [60]
Tyler Riverside 11January 8January 8Destroyed two structures. [61] [62]
Scout Riverside 12January 8January 8 [63]
Woodley Los Angeles 30January 8January 8 [64]
Olivas Ventura 28January 8
0% contained
 [65]
Lidia Los Angeles 80January 8
30% contained
 [66]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 California wildfires</span>

The 2007 California wildfire season saw at least 9,093 separate wildfires that charred 1,520,362 acres (6,152.69 km2) of land. Thirty of those wildfires were part of the Fall 2007 California firestorm, which burned approximately 972,147 acres of land from Santa Barbara County to the U.S.–Mexico border. At the peak of the wildfire activity in October 2007, the raging wildfires were visible from space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corral Fire</span> 2007 wildfire in Southern California

The Corral Fire was a wildfire that burned from November 24 until November 27, 2007, in the Malibu Creek State Park. The fire, which burned 4,901 acres (20 km2) of land, forced the evacuation of 10,000–14,000 residents in Los Angeles, and injured 7 firefighters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Station Fire (2009)</span> 2009 wildfire in Southern California

The Station Fire was the largest wildfire of the 2009 California wildfire season, as well as the largest wildfire in the history of Los Angeles County. It burned in the Angeles National Forest, igniting on August 26, 2009, near the U.S. Forest Service Angeles Station 11 ranger station on the Angeles Crest Highway, and burned through October 16. It threatened 12,000 structures in the National Forest and the nearby communities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Glendale, Acton, La Crescenta, Juniper Hills, Littlerock and Altadena, as well as the Sunland and Tujunga neighborhoods of the City of Los Angeles. Many of these areas faced mandatory evacuations as the flames drew near, but as of September 6, all evacuation orders were lifted. The Station Fire burned on the slopes of Mount Wilson, threatening numerous television, radio and cellular telephone antennas on the summit, as well as the Mount Wilson Observatory, which includes several historically significant telescopes and multimillion-dollar astronomical facilities operated by UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley and Georgia State University.

The 1978 Agoura-Malibu firestorm was a firestorm fueled by at least eight significant wildfires in the Los Angeles area on October 23, 1978. At around noon that day, an arsonist started a fire that eventually burned 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) from Cornell to Broad Beach in Malibu. The first fire alarm in Agoura was reported at 12:11 pm, and by 2:30 pm, the fire had reached the Pacific Ocean 13 miles (21 km) south in Malibu. It had been declared a Level 2 fire at 1:57 pm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">October 2007 California wildfires</span> Series of wildfires in California

The October 2007 California wildfires, also known as the Fall 2007 California firestorm, were a series of about thirty wildfires that began igniting across Southern California on October 20. At least 1,500 homes were destroyed and approximately 972,147 acres of land was burned from Santa Barbara County to the U.S.–Mexico border, surpassing the October 2003 California wildfires in scope, which were estimated to have burned 800,000 acres (3,200 km2). The wildfires killed a total of 14 people, with nine of them dying directly from the fires; 160 others were injured, including at least 124 firefighters. At their height, the raging fires were visible from space. These fires included the vast majority of the largest and deadliest wildfires of the 2007 California wildfire season. The only wildfire in 2007 that surpassed any of the individual October 2007 fires in size was the Zaca Fire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Gabriel Complex Fire</span> 2016 wildfire in Southern California

The San Gabriel Complex Fire was a wildfire that burned in 2016 in the Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County, California, United States. It was the combination of two separate wildfires: the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire, both of which ignited on June 20.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Tuna Fire</span> 2017 wildfire in Southern California

The La Tuna Fire was a wildfire in the Verdugo Mountains in Los Angeles County, Southern California, in September 2017. The fire began from undetermined causes on the afternoon of September 1 in La Tuna Canyon, and burned 7,194 acres (2,911 ha) before its containment on September 9. The fire caused at least ten injuries, the destruction of five homes and five outbuildings, and the evacuations of hundreds more. It was one of the largest wildfires in the history of the city of Los Angeles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Fire</span> 2017 wildfire in Southern California

The Thomas Fire was a massive wildfire that affected Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and one of multiple wildfires that ignited in southern California in December 2017. It burned approximately 281,893 acres before being fully contained on January 12, 2018, making it the largest wildfire in modern California history at the time. It was surpassed by the Ranch Fire, part of the Mendocino Complex, in August 2018. The fire is currently the eighth-largest wildfire in modern California history, as of 2025. The fire was officially declared out on June 1, 2018, after more than two months in which no hotspots were detected. The Thomas Fire destroyed at least 1,063 structures, while damaging 280 others; and the fire caused over $2.2 billion in damages, including $230 million in suppression costs, becoming the seventh-most destructive wildfire in state history at the time. As of August 2020, the Thomas Fire is California's tenth-most destructive wildfire. Ventura's agriculture industry suffered at least $171 million in losses due to the Thomas Fire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skirball Fire</span> 2017 wildfire in Southern California

The Skirball Fire was a wildfire that burned in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States, and one of multiple wildfires that broke out across Southern California in December 2017. The fire burned 422 acres of land on the slopes of the Sepulveda Pass on its east or Bel Air side, causing the closure of Interstate 405, a major traffic artery in the city. The Skirball Cultural Center, Bel-Air Country Club, Getty Center, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, and various private schools were closed as a result of the fire. Classes were cancelled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Santa Monica College, while Mount Saint Mary's University evacuated from its Brentwood campus to its downtown Los Angeles location. The fire destroyed six structures and damaged 12. On December 10, at about 1 p.m. PST, all evacuation orders and road closures for the Skirball Fire were lifted, as containment of the wildfire increased to 85%. Late on December 15, it was reported that the Skirball Fire had been 100% contained, at 422 acres (171 ha).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creek Fire (2017)</span> 2017 wildfire in Southern California

The Creek Fire was a large wildfire that burned in Kagel Canyon and the Angeles National Forest north of Sylmar, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, United States, and one of multiple wildfires that broke out across Southern California in December 2017. The Creek Fire burned 15,619 acres (63 km2) and destroyed 123 structures, including 60 homes, before being contained on January 9, 2018, following heavy rainfall from a winter storm. The fire threatened the communities of Santa Clarita, Glendale, Olive View, Lake View Terrace, Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills, Sylmar, Pacoima, Lopez Canyon, and Kagel Canyon, as well as the Olive View–UCLA Medical Center. During the wildfire, 115,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">December 2017 Southern California wildfires</span> 2017 wildfires in Southern California

A series of 29 wildfires ignited across Southern California in December 2017. Six of the fires became significant wildfires, and led to widespread evacuations and property losses. The wildfires burned over 307,900 acres (1,246 km2), and caused traffic disruptions, school closures, hazardous air conditions, and power outages; over 230,000 people were forced to evacuate. The largest of the wildfires was the Thomas Fire, which grew to 281,893 acres (1,140.78 km2), and became the largest wildfire in modern California history, until it was surpassed by the Ranch Fire in the Mendocino Complex, in the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lilac Fire</span> 2017 wildfire in Southern California

The Lilac Fire was a fire that burned in northern San Diego County, California, United States, and the second-costliest one of multiple wildfires that erupted in Southern California in December 2017. The fire was first reported on December 7, 2017, burned 4,100 acres (1,659 ha), and destroyed 157 structures, before it was fully contained on December 16. The fire cost at least $8.9 million, including $5 million in firefighting expenses and property damage, and an additional $3.9 million in cleanup and erosion control costs. The fire threatened the communities of Bonsall, Oceanside, Vista, Fallbrook, and Camp Pendleton. During the fire, an estimated 10,000 residents were forced to evacuate, while a total of over 100,000 residents were forced to or advised to evacuate. On December 7, the Lilac Fire also cut the power to 20,000 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woolsey Fire</span> 2018 wildfire in Southern California

The Woolsey Fire was a wildfire that started in Los Angeles County and spread north to neighboring Ventura County, both located in the U.S. state of California. The fire ignited on November 8, 2018 and wasn't fully contained until November 21, 2018. The fire burned 96,949 acres of land, destroyed 1,643 structures, killed three people, and prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people. It was one of several fires in California that ignited on the same day, along with the nearby Hill Fire and the destructive Camp Fire in Northern California.

The Palisades Fire was a wildfire that burned in Topanga State Park, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of the city of Los Angeles, California on May 14, 2021. The fire burned a total of 1,202 acres (486 ha) and was fully contained on May 26, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fairview Fire</span> 2022 wildfire in Southern California

The Fairview Fire is a deadly and destructive wildfire that burned during the 2022 California wildfire season southwest of Valle Vista and east of Hemet in Riverside County, California in the United States. The fire ignited on September 5, 2022, during a severe heatwave that had plagued much of the southwest throughout early September and, due to the extreme weather conditions, grew to a deadly and destructive conflagration in the chaparral-filled foothills within just several hours of igniting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kinneloa Fire</span> 1993 wildfire in Southern California

The Kinneloa Fire was a destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County, Southern California in October of 1993. The fire destroyed 196 buildings in the communities of Altadena, Kinneloa Mesa, and Sierra Madre in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, becoming at the time the twelfth-most destructive wildfire in California's history and one of the most destructive wildfires ever in Los Angeles County. The fire caused a multitude of minor injuries and one fatality; an elderly man died of pneumonia complicated by smoke inhalation. A father and son were killed by a debris flow in the burn area more than four months later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain Fire (2024)</span> 2024 wildfire in Southern California

The Mountain Fire was a destructive and fast-moving wildfire in Ventura County, Southern California, in November of 2024. The fire burned 19,904 acres, destroyed and damaged hundreds of buildings, and caused multiple injuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palisades Fire (2025)</span> 2025 wildfire in Southern California

The Palisades Fire is an active wildfire burning in the Westside region of Los Angeles County in Southern California, mainly affecting the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and nearby Malibu. As of January 8, 2025, at 2:45 pm PST, the fire had spread to at least 15,832 acres. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It is the first and largest of four wildfires being driven by an extremely powerful Santa Ana wind event. Preliminary damage estimates from AccuWeather put the cost of the fire between $52 billion and $57 billion, which would make it the costliest wildfire in U.S. history; Wildfire Alliance statistics indicated that the fire is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, surpassing the Sayre Fire in 2008 which destroyed 604 structures.

The Eaton Fire is an active wildfire burning in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County in Southern California. It began in the evening on January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. As of January 8, 2025, at 10:36 a.m. PST (UTC–8), the fire had spread to approximately 10,600 acres (4,300 ha). The cause of the fire is under investigation. It is one of several fires being driven by an extremely powerful Santa Ana wind event, along with the Palisades Fire. Evacuation orders have been sent out to the residents of Altadena, Kinneloa Mesa, La Cañada Flintridge, northern portions of Sierra Madre, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Monrovia, and northeastern portions of Glendale, including most of the San Rafael Hills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurst Fire</span> 2025 wildfire in Southern California

The Hurst Fire, also known as the Sylmar Fire, is an active wildfire burning in the Sylmar area of the city of Los Angeles in Southern California.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Garrett, Monica; Gilbert, Mary (January 7, 2025). "Wildfires are breaking out in Southern California as the 'most destructive windstorm' in over a decade hits". CNN. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  2. ↑ Schlepp, Travis (January 7, 2025). "Severe drought conditions fueling dangerous Palisades Fire". KTLA. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  3. ↑ Swain, Daniel (January 5, 2025). "As extreme California precipitation dipole persists, a high-end offshore wind/fire weather event may unfold in SoCal this week - Weather West" . Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Here's when the strongest winds will whip across Southern California and how long it'll last". ABC7 Los Angeles. February 14, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "'Life-threatening' windstorm fans fires in Southern California as blazes burn in Los Angeles". NBC News. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  6. 1 2 "SoCal battered by 'life-threatening' wind storm. Here's what you should know". LAist. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  7. ↑ US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Area Forecast Discussion". www.weather.gov. Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Knoll, Corina; Mayorquín, Orlando; Petri, Alexandra E. (January 7, 2025). "Palisades Fire Live Updates: 30,000 Ordered to Evacuate in L.A." The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 "After fire hydrants lacked water in Palisades, city officials blame 'tremendous demand'". Los Angeles Times. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Fire explodes to more than 1,200 acres, reaches beach in Malibu". ABC7 Los Angeles. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  11. 1 2 "President Biden arrives in SoCal to announce new national monument". NBC Los Angeles. January 6, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Brinkmann, Heather (January 6, 2025). "Wildfires erupt around Los Angeles during 'life-threatening' windstorm". FOX Weather. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Winds whip Southland, fuel Malibu fire: Where SoCal Edison has shut off power". Los Angeles Times. December 10, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Pacific Palisades fire burning out of control as thousands evacuate amid dangerous windstorm". Los Angeles Times. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Severe drought conditions fueling dangerous Palisades Fire". KTLA. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  16. 1 2 "Palisades Fire". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  17. ↑ Team, Andrew Curry and Los Angeles magazine Digital (January 7, 2025). "Pacific Palisades Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuations as Flames Devour Hillsides". LAmag - Culture, Food, Fashion, News & Los Angeles. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  18. 1 2 3 "Live updates: Pacific Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles, California orders evacuations". CNN. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "California wildfires live updates: New blazes erupt as crews battle Palisades Fire". NBC News. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  20. ↑ Hiramoto, K. J. (January 7, 2025). "Fire breaks out near Pasadena after different fire devastates LA County's westside neighborhoods". FOX 11. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  21. ↑ Lloyd, Jonathan (January 7, 2025). "Brush fire burns in Eaton Canyon area near Altadena". NBC Los Angeles. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  22. 1 2 3 Haggerty, Noah; Goldberg, Noah; Fry, Hannah; Flemming, Jack; Vives, Ruben (January 8, 2025). "Fast-moving fires in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena and Sylmar prompt evacuations, school closures". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  23. ↑ Fioresi, Dean; Sharp, Julie; Rodriguez, Matthew (January 8, 2025). "Eaton Fire explodes to 10,600 acres, leads to 2 deaths and "significant" number of injuries". KCAL. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  24. ↑ Fry, Hannah; Haggerty; Toohey; Vives; Winton (January 8, 2025). "At least 5 dead in L.A. County firestorms; more than 1,000 structures lost". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  25. ↑ "Brush Fire - SYLMAR FIRE MANDATORY EVACUATIONS 01/07/2025 INC#3294 | Los Angeles Fire Department". lafd.org. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Hurst Fire | CAL FIRE". www.fire.ca.gov. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Fire erupts in Santa Ana Riverbed as gusty winds blast Southern California". KTLA. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Fire explodes to more than 1,200 acres, reaches beach in Malibu". ABC7 Los Angeles. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  29. ↑ Aubuchon, Jade (January 8, 2025). "Firefighters Respond To Brush Fire North Of Santa Clarita". KHTS Radio. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Bert Fire". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  31. ↑ Slisco, Aila (January 8, 2025). "Woodley Fire near Sepulveda Basin covers 30 acres of Los Angeles area: Map". Newsweek. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Olivas Fire | CAL FIRE". www.fire.ca.gov. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  33. 1 2 "California fires live: Two dead as Palisades and Eaton wildfires rage in LA". www.thetimes.com. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  34. ↑ Diaz, Louie (January 8, 2025). "Brush Fire Erupts In Acton, Threatening Homes". KHTS Radio. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Acton's Lidia Fire Blackens 50 Acres, Threatens Buildings". Los Angeles, CA Patch. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  36. 1 2 Boone, Rebecca (January 8, 2025). "Live updates: Pacific Palisades wildfire is most destructive in LA history with 1,000 structures burned". AP News. Retrieved January 8, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. ↑ "Eaton Fire destroys Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center". NBC Los Angeles. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  38. 1 2 3 4 Tanyos, Faris; Freiman, Jordan; Dakss, Brian; Breen, Kerry (January 8, 2025). "Pacific Palisades fire burns in Los Angeles, Eaton fire kills 2: Live Updates". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  39. 1 2 Rodriguez, Matthew (January 7, 2025). "Windstorm cause power outages for nearly 50,000 LA County residents - CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  40. ↑ "Harrison ES (4438) Air Quality Index (AQI) and Los Angeles Air Pollution | IQAir". www.iqair.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Los Angeles air quality map | IQAir". www.iqair.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  42. ↑ "2 dead in Los Angeles fires as severe winds fan flames". The Washington Post . January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  43. ↑ "LA County School Closures". www.lacoe.edu. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  44. ↑ Stephan, Katcy (January 8, 2025). "Critics Choice Awards Postponed to January 26 Due to Southern California Fires". Variety . Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  45. 1 2 Keller, Erin (January 8, 2025). "California looters break into homes as Pacific Palisades wildfire burns". Newsweek. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  46. ↑ "President Biden promises full federal support as California responds to wildfires". WGBA NBC 26 in Green Bay. January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  47. ↑ Biden, Joe (January 8, 2025). "Statement from President Joe Biden on the Wildfires in West Los Angeles". The White House. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  48. ↑ Harris, Kamala (January 8, 2025). "Statement from Vice President Harris on Wildfires in Southern California". The White House. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Riverside Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Fire erupts in Santa Ana Riverbed as gusty winds blast Southern California". KTLA. January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  51. ↑ "Sunset Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  52. ↑ "Palisades Fire". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Wildfire forces evacuation of Pacific Palisades; homes destroyed". KTLA 5. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  54. ↑ "Palisades Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  55. ↑ "Gulch Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  56. ↑ "King Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Eaton Fire". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  58. ↑ "Huntington Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  59. ↑ "Bert Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  60. ↑ "Hurst Fire". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  61. ↑ "Tyler Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  62. ↑ "Tyler Fire". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection . Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  63. ↑ "Scout Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  64. ↑ "Woodley Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  65. ↑ "Olivas Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  66. ↑ "Lidia Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.