California Wildfires: Los Angeles Area Facing Multiple Wildfire Threats
Since early last week, the Los Angeles area continues to be devastated, battling flames from several wildfires. Hundreds of thousands of residents have evacuated and millions more face dangerous conditions from air quality, smoke inhalation, unsafe water, and power outages. With high winds still in the forecast for the days ahead, the wildfires are likely to continue expanding, posing risk to life and property.
As of the morning of Tuesday, January 14, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reports four active wildfires:
- Palisades Fire
At nearly 24,000 acres, the Palisades Fire is currently at 17% containment. The cause of this fire, which erupted last Tuesday (1/7/25) morning in Pacific Palisades, is still under investigation. CAL FIRE estimates that over 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed. - Eaton Fire
At over 14,000 acres, the Eaton Fire is 35% contained. After erupting last Tuesday (1/7/25) night north of downtown Los Angeles, the fire was fed by strong winds and has ultimately damaged or destroyed an estimated 7,800 structures so far. - Hurst Fire
At 97% containment of the nearly 800 acres affected, the Hurst Fire also erupted last Tuesday evening (1/7/25) north of Los Angeles. - Auto Fire
The newest blaze broke out late Monday (1/13/25) in Ventura County. As of the early morning of the 14th, 56 acres have burned, and the fire is at 0% containment. Evacuation orders related to this blaze have been issued.
In addition to these incidents, southern California also faced several smaller wildfires that erupted late last week and have since been contained. The five contained wildfires, Lidia, Archer, Woodley, Sunset, and Kenneth, affected over 1,500 acres among them.
As Los Angeles and Southern California continue to face the fires and associated hazards, we urge residents in the area to stay informed about their risk and any potential evacuation orders. Please follow the direction of local officials and emergency management personnel.
If you or someone you know is in the affected regions, stay updated with information from CAL FIRE, CAL FIRE 3D incident map, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and LAFD alerts.
Wildfire Preparedness
Keeping yourself and your family safe before, during, and after a wildfire is more doable with a plan. Be ready to face the risk by prioritizing these last-minute preparedness tips in case the evacuation orders or fires reach you.
- Go over your emergency plan, evacuation plan, and communications plan with your entire household. Make sure everyone knows how to quickly follow the steps of your plans, including where and how to evacuate, as well as how to reconnect if you are separated.
- Pack a go-bag with essential emergency supplies including food, water, medications, important documents (e.g., titles, passports, insurance). and clothing so that you are ready to leave at a moment’s notice when evacuations are ordered. Make sure each person and pet in the household has supplies.
- Know your evacuation zone and keep track of evacuation warnings and orders on the CAL FIRE website and 3D incident map. Make sure your gas tank is at least half full.
- Create a fire-resistant zone around your home by clearing your yard of leaves, debris and other flammable materials in a 30 feet perimeter surrounding your house.
Survivor Resources
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- FEMA Disaster Assistance: Discover the different forms of assistance available for your situation, apply, and keep track of your application status.
- SBA Disaster Assistance: Low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses.
- California OES Recovery Resources: Compilation of resources for immediate needs, locating assistance centers, preparedness and evacuation help, state employee assistance information, and debris removal.
- After the Fire USA Immediate Resources: Compilation of helpful resources from different federal and state agencies, including Fannie Mae assistance, insurance claim and recovery help, and fraud protection and prevention.
The IEM team continues to closely monitor the situation. Our thoughts are with the affected families and individuals, and we stand ready to support our California communities in their recovery ahead. Stay safe.