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By Martha McHardy
US News Reporter
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A major flare-up in the Palisades fire has intensified the critical situation in California, prompting new evacuation orders as firefighters struggle to contain the wildfires.
Why It Matters
The escalation in the blaze means that new neighborhoods and properties are under threat in the region.
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The death toll from the fires across Los Angeles has risen to 24. Officials have said that at least another 16 people remain missing.
Sixteen of the deceased were found in the Eaton fire zone, while eight were found in the Palisades area.
What To Know
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported that the Palisades blaze has now burnt 23,713 acres of land and is only 13 percent contained, as of Sunday evening.
Strong winds on Saturday caused the fire to spread quickly, threatening new areas. The communities of Brentwood, Encino, Bel Air, Sherman Oaks, and West Los Angeles remain under threat. Further winds on Sunday threaten to worsen the situation further.
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A red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions is in place for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
CAL FIRE says that around 5,000 structures are believed to have been damaged or destroyed in the fire, according to analysis of aerial images.
A total of 5,123 personnel are battling to put out the blaze, along with 44 helicopters and 540 engines.
The Palisades fire is one of four wildfires currently active across Los Angeles.
Eaton Fire
On the city's east side, near Pasadena, the Eaton fire has killed at least 16 people, having spread across 14,117 acres. So far, the fire is 27 percent contained, according to CAL FIRE.
Around 7,801 structures may have been damaged or destroyed in the blaze, according to aerial images. 1,422 structures have been confirmed to have been destroyed, with 212 structures confirmed to have been damaged.
Kenneth Fire
The fire in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas was first reported Thursday afternoon andspread to 1,052 acres. According to CAL FIRE, the blaze is now 100 percent contained.
A man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire. Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said on Friday there was not enough evidence to charge him with a crime.
Hurst Fire
In the north, near San Fernando, the Hurst fire has covered 799 acres. So far, it has been 86 percent contained.
Lidia Fire
The fire emerged in Antelope Valley on Wednesday afternoon. According to CAL FIRE, it burnt through 395 acres. The fire is now fully contained.
What People Are Saying
Jesus Ruiz, a spokesman for the L.A. County Office of Emergency Management, told The Washington Post the Palisades fire is growing "really, really fast."
He said the new flare-up was a "significant development," with the fire rapidly growing and moving in the direction of "a heavily populated area ... we're definitely concerned."
What Happens Next
Fire crews are continuing to fight the wildfires. Firefighters across Los Angeles County are bracing for severe wind conditions that are expected to worsen the firestorms that are already devastating the region.
Update 01/12/2025 9 a.m. ET: This article was updated with the latest information on the California wildfires.
Update 01/13/2025 9 a.m. ET: This article was updated with the latest information.
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