As a Business Insider reporter reported
- Casualties and evacuations:
From January 11, 2025, to today, Los Angeles has been experiencing a series of devastating wildfires, most notably the Palisades and Eaton fires, which collectively have burned more than 35,000 acres.
- Evacuations:
Nearly 150,000 residents have been placed under evacuation orders, and an additional 166,000 are on standby. Temporary shelters are at full capacity, and hotels are fully booked, forcing many displaced individuals to seek refuge elsewhere.
- Economic losses:
Insured losses are estimated to exceed $20 billion, potentially making it the costliest fire disaster in California history.
Deaths: At least 11 people have lost their lives as a result of the fires.
The Times and The Sunday Times
Structural damage and Destruction:
The fire has destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including entire residential neighborhoods and the homes of celebrities like Leighton Meester, Adam Brody and Paris Hilton.
According to PEOPLE.COM:
Firefighting efforts:
Containment: The Palisades fire is about 8% contained, while the Eaton fire is still largely uncontained. Firefighters are short on resources and face challenges with water supply.
According to Wikipedia:
Reinforcements: Additional firefighters from neighboring states and the California National Guard have been deployed to help contain the fire.
The Times and The Sunday Times:
Infrastructure and economic impact:
Power outages: The fires have caused power outages in about 1.6 million homes.
Environmental conditions:
Weather: Strong winds of up to 100 mph have further aggravated the spread of the fire. Strong winds are expected to worsen the situation early next week, posing further challenges to containment efforts.
Community response:
Aid initiatives: Public figures including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have visited affected areas to meet victims and donate essential items. Fundraising initiatives have been set up to support devastated communities, with significant contributions from individuals such as Australian model Chloe Fisher.
Officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and prepare for potential evacuations as the situation remains critical.
Five wildfires in Southern California have burned nearly 35,000 acres as uncontrollable flames.
1) Palisades Fire
The raging Palisades Fire has once again experienced a flare-up and is threatening several communities, including celebrity hot spot Bel Air, as it continues to move east into Los Angeles. “The Palisades fire has seen a new significant flare-up on the eastern side and continues to move northeast,” LAFD Capt. Eric Scott told KTLA.
The University of California, Los Angeles, told those on campus to “be prepared to evacuate” as the Palisades Fire approaches the school.
The Palisades Fire, the largest fire burning in Southern California, “raged significantly” Friday evening and is only 8% contained so far.
“An evacuation warning has been issued for an area adjacent to UCLA due to the Palisades Fire. We are asking Bruins on campus to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if the warning is extended to our campus.”
The update sent evacuation orders to several areas as they were ordered to leave due to “immediate threat to life.”
The oldest and largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, has scorched 21,596 acres since it first ignited Tuesday morning.
2) Eaton Fire
The Pasadena, Altadena fire that broke out Tuesday evening has engulfed 14,117 acres as firefighters have managed to contain only three percent of the deadly blaze.
Authorities have blamed the fires for at least six deaths.
Aerial drone shots estimated that about 7,081 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the flames.
Crews have contained only eight percent of the Pacific Palisades-Malibu fire and are approaching Los Angeles, with evacuation warnings for the Bel Air neighborhood.
The fire has destroyed more than 5,000 structures, killing at least five people.
3) Lydia Fire
The Lydia Fire, which started on Soledad Canyon Road in Acton on Wednesday afternoon, has been almost completely contained.
The fire burning above the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles has destroyed 395 acres and is 98 percent contained.
4) Kenneth Fire
The Lydia Fire, which started on Soledad Canyon Road in Acton on Wednesday afternoon, has been almost completely contained.
The fire burning above the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles has destroyed 395 acres and is 98 percent contained.
Archer Fire
The newest fire in the area broke out around 11:30 a.m. Friday in the Granada Hills neighborhood.
It has burned only 19 acres but is contained.