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By Jon Jackson and Matthew Impelli
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Authorities on Wednesday said 70,000 people are under evacuation orders in the Los Angeles area as wildfires burn through the region.
At least 28,000 structures are threatened by the fires, according to the authorities.
Why It Matters
The Palisades fire has been roaring through Los Angeles County, spreading throughout the region spurred by strong winds. As of Tuesday night, the fire was estimated to have burned 2,900 acres and forced at least 30,000 to leave their homes. Two new blazes—the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar—erupted late Tuesday.
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California has always been vulnerable to raging wildfires, but scientists have said that global warming has made them more frequent and more severe than they used to be. By the end of 2024, 8,024 wildfires had burned 1,050,012 acres of land across the state and killed one person, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency over the current fires, and officials have warned that the worst may be yet to come as extreme winds that are challenging efforts to contain the fires are expected to continue for days.
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What To Know
California is actively battling several different wildfires prompting widespread warnings and emergency orders from officials.
The Palisades fire is currently the biggest at 2,921 acres. However, the rapid spread of the Eaton fire will place even more strain on the firefighters working to battle all three fires. The blaze poses an "immediate threat to life" to those living in evacuation zones.
Evacuations are underway due to the potential threat to life and property, according to Cal Fire. A severe windstorm with gusts up to 100 mph in higher elevations is fueling the fire, alongside dry, low-humidity conditions across Southern California.
The Eaton Fire started at 6:23 p.m. local time on Tuesday in Altadena/Pasadena.
The fire initially covered 400 acres but has now expanded across the area. According to the LA County Fire Department (LACoFD), the spread is due to high winds, low humidity and dry fuels.
All public schools in Pasadena will be closed on January 8 due to the fire, and federal assistance is being sent to the area to help battle the rapidly developing and uncontained blaze.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement:"We are moving rapidly to support state and local law enforcement and firefighters to respond to the Eaton Fire threatening Altadena and Pasadena as extremely critical fire weather continues in Southern California. To all those in the region, remain vigilant and listen to local authorities."
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Tuesday said in an announcement: "The Palisades fire is estimated at 200 acres and is currently bumping the area of Chastain Parkway East and Calle Brittany. The fire has spotted across Palisades Drive and is currently on both sides of the road."
What's Next
The fires are yet to be contained as a dangerous windstorm fan the flames in Southern California.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, winds gust up to 60 miles per hour are expected to continue through Thursday, "potentially aiding in further fire activity and suppression efforts."
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Update 1/8/25 1:08 p.m. EST: This story has been updated with further information.
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