Wildfires in the Los Angeles region have persisted into a fourth day, resulting in at least ten fatalities and prompting the evacuation of approximately 180,000 residents. The blazes have devastated more than 10,000 structures. Initial assessments indicate potential damages and economic losses could reach as high as $150 billion.
Five fires are currently active in the LA County area. The most extensive, the Palisades Fire, has burned 20,000 acres and is described by the LA fire chief as among the most destructive blazes in the city’s history. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire’s impact extends over 14,000 acres. The Kenneth and Hidden Hills fires are newer and expanded overnight.
The Palisades Fire, responsible for at least two deaths, was just six percent contained by late Thursday. The Eaton Fire, which has caused three deaths and devastated over 21 square miles in Altadena, was at zero containment by the same time. The Kenneth Fire, covering 960 acres in Woodland Hills, also remained uncontained. The Sunset Fire—ignited in Hollywood Hills on Wednesday—led to evacuations but was fully contained by late Thursday. The Hurst and Lidia fires were partly contained, with the Hurst fire at 37 percent containment and the Lidia fire at 75 percent containment.
Evacuation orders affected 180,000 LA County residents, while evacuation warnings impacted nearly 200,000 more. Throughout the week, over 10,000 structures, including homes and businesses, were destroyed.
A heightened red flag warning from the National Weather Service remains in place due to strong winds, which are believed to have spread and intensified the wildfires. State and local officials are receiving heavy criticism, including from President-elect Donald J. Trump, for cutting fire budgets, squandering fire spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, giving away fire equipment to Ukraine, and poor brush and water management.
I just left the hellscape formerly know as Pacific Palisades where I’ve lived for 26 years. I’m mad at what I saw. Our politicians have failed us. Unprepared, unimaginative, understaffed, now overwhelmed. Heads must roll for this disaster. I personally saw 100+ homes fully… pic.twitter.com/8txvSJEZXd
— Wes Nichols (@wesnichols) January 8, 2025