Los Angeles wildfires destroy over 12 000 structures, leave at least 24 people dead, California
Catastrophic wildfires fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds have been sweeping through Southern California since Tuesday, January 8, 2025, killing at least 24 people, displacing over 200 000 residents, and destroying more than 12 000 homes and buildings. In addition, more than 360 000 customers, or just over 1 million people in California were left without power.
Multiple fast-growing wildfires, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds with wind gusts up to 160 km/h (100 mph), have been tearing through southern California since Tuesday, January 8.
The fires have already scorched more than 10 927 ha (27 000 acres) of land, destroyed over 2 000 homes and buildings, and claimed at least five lives in the first three days. The rapid spread of the flames has forced the evacuation of more than 200 000 residents, leaving over 1 million people without power.
Authorities described the situation as one of the most destructive wildfire outbreaks the region has ever experienced.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire, at least 5 wildfires were burning throughout the state on Thursday, January 9 — down from 7 on Wednesday, January 8.
The Palisades Fire has burnt through more than 6 880 ha ( 17 000 acres) and is at 0% containment. The Eaton Fire has scorched through more than 4 250 ha (10 500 acres) and stands at 0% containment.
The Hurst Fire stands at 10% containment having burned through more than 344 ha (850 acres), and the Lidia Fire has also burnt through nearly 142 ha (350 acres) and has been 40 % contained.
Meanwhile, the Sunset fire had burned through at least 24 ha (60 acres) of land near Hollywood Hill at 0% containment.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone stated during a Wednesday morning news conference that the county’s resources are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.
“L.A. County and all 29 fire departments in our county are not prepared for this type of widespread disaster,” he said, adding, “There are not enough firefighters in L.A. County to address four separate fires of this magnitude.”
More than 200 000 people are under mandatory evacuation order due to the fires, with both the Palisades and Eaton fires having destroyed more than 1 000 structures each. Both of the blazes have been ranked among the 20 most destructive fires in the history of California and the most destructive blazes to hit Los Angeles.
The Altadena Sheriff’s Office was forced to evacuate after its building caught fire. Hollywood actors, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods, were among those forced to flee.
The home of Vice President Kamala Harris in Los Angeles was within one of the evacuation zones, although no one was present at the residence, according to a spokesperson.
More than 360 000 customers or just over 1 million people in southern California are out of power, according to Poweroutage.us.
Meanwhile, an unsafe water alert has been issued for areas affected by the wildfire.
The authorities have urged citizens to stick to bottled water as the city’s water supply might have been contaminated and residents should not attempt to treat the water on your own.
In addition to 5 fatalities, multiple people with burn injuries have been rushed to hospitals in critical condition. These include a 25-year-old female firefighter who sustained a serious head injury.
Among the injured is a man discovered walking along a road with severe burns and most of his clothing incinerated. He remains in critical condition, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles.
Winds are expected to shift to the north at 15 – 30 km/h (10 – 20 mph) overnight Thursday, with gusts up to 75 km/h (45 mph) in some areas.
Conditions will remain dry and windy through Thursday, with high fire weather risk persisting into Friday under a Fire Weather Watch.
Communities in wind-prone areas, especially near Highways 118 and 210, remain at heightened risk for damage and fire outbreaks.
Updates
08:14 UTC, January 10
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said it has received notification of 10 fire-related deaths as of Thursday evening (LT). However, officials warn the actual toll remains unclear and might be higher.
As many as 10 000 structures have been destroyed in Palisades and Eaton fires.
The Palisades Fire is now the most destructive ever to hit Los Angeles County, with over 5 316 structures destroyed. As of 03:00 UTC on January 10, the fire has consumed 8 084 ha (19 978 acres) of land and is 6% contained. While the extreme winds have subsided, winds gusting from 40 – 90 km/h (25 – 55 mph) were still expected.
08:12 UTC, January 13
The confirmed death toll reached 24 on Sunday evening (LT), January 12.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, eight people died in the Palisades Fire and 16 in Eaton. Several victims appear to have died after refusing to abandon their homes.
Officials fear the death toll will continue rising.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Sunday search and recovery operations continue in both fires, adding he doesn’t expect good news from those.
“A lot of these areas still look like they were hit by a bomb,” Luna said. “There are live electrical wires, gas lines and other hazards.”
The Palisades Fire was at 9 596 ha (23 713 acres) and 13% contained on Sunday evening (LT), while the Eaton fire was at 5 712 ha (14 117 acres) and 27% contained.
References:
1 At least 5 dead as thousands evacuate ahead of raging wildfires in Los Angeles area – CNN – January 8, 2025
2 Blaze Breaks Out in Hollywood Hills, as L.A. Wildfires Kill at Least 5 – LA Times – January 8, 2025
3 Los Angeles metro engulfed by deadly apocalyptic wildfires fueled by hurricane-force wind gusts – FOX Weather – January 8, 2025
4 Los Angeles wildfires: At least 10 dead and whole neighborhoods destroyed as distraught residents flee – CNN – January 10, 2025
Featured image credit: LAFD/Erik Scott
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
FYI — California Wildfires: New CA wildfire ignites in West Hills, grows to 50 acres | LIVE —
– ABC News – Thursday, January 9, 2025 – 5:47PM
===> More than 9,000 homes, structures damaged or destroyed in Palisades, Eaton fires, officials say —
– LA Times – with ongoing ‘Updates’ –
LIVE — Eaton, Palisades fires continue burning as new threat to Brentwood, Mandeville Canyon emerges —
– ABC 7 Los Angeles –
— Live Updates: Death toll rises to 16 amid new evacuation orders as Palisades Fire moves east —
– Excerpt – At least 16 people are dead and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, officials said.
More than 60 square miles (38,400+ Acres) have burned — and the dangers persist as winds that fanned the flames weakened on Friday but are expected to pick up again Saturday night.
– CBS News –
I am truly sorry for everyone suffering losses from these awful wildfires (which, of course, are only going to become worse and more frequent due to human caused climate disruption). But I really don’t understand why they don’t construct underground safe places like a cross between a WWII bomb-shelter and a ‘panic-room’. If nothing else, use of such structures would reduce the numbers of panicked people fleeing these disasters with all of the accidents on the contested roads, etc. It would save many lives.
There has been nothing ‘natural’ about these winds and so-called wildfires. Just like Lahaina.
Yes, the Hollywood hills fire… where the Hollywood sign is located, Hollywood bowl, and major studios in the area, such as Disney, Warners, CBS, Paramount.
Revelation 18:18
King James Version
” And they cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, what city is like unto this great city!”
“Husbandmen, go out and gather. For the wheat is already bundled, and who is able to loose it? Neither man nor beast is able; behold, nothing in all creation is able to separate that which The Lord has bound together. Therefore, My sons, go out and gather up the remnant, even every last grain which has fallen to the ground. Gather it up quickly before the storm comes, where the winds shall blow, the hail shall beat down, and the rains shall overflow, erode and wash away…
Behold, I shall visit in My wrath and come like a storm! And as a great whirlwind of fire, I shall consume all this wickedness from the face of the earth! For the nations have raged against Me, and the people refuse to give glory to My name. Yet of sin, this they uphold! Thus they shall perish with much shouting, when I cause the earth to rise up and fight against them, until deep and heavy silence covers them and their wickedness is no more before My face!
Behold, even in these lands, you call California and Nevada, shall it begin. For they have become as a great river, A RIVER OF SIN, an unending source of abominations, murder and licentiousness! Even that which Sodom and Gomorrah had done pales compared with that brought forth of them!… Says The Lord.”
(From The Volumes of Truth, Volume Seven, excerpts from “Shout His Name”)