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January 2025 Southern California wildfires
Starting on January 7, 2025, an ongoing series of wildfires have affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area and surrounding regions. The fires, which include the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and Sunset Fire, were exacerbated by very low humidity, prolonged drought conditions, and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds that in some places exceeded 80 miles per hour (130 km/h). As of January 8, the wildfires have killed five people, damaged more than 2,000 structures, and forced more than 137,000 people to evacuate. MeteorologyThe event featured Santa Ana winds of exceptional intensity, with forecasted gusts reaching 50 to 80 miles per hour (80 to 129 km/h; 22 to 36 m/s) in populated areas of the Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the San Gabriel Valley and the Los Angeles Basin which in prior wind events had been protected due to their lower elevations. Higher elevations were predicted to experience even more extreme conditions, with wind speeds anticipated between 80 to 100 miles per hour (130 to 160 km/h; 36 to 45 m/s).[1] Dry vegetation exacerbated the dangerous conditions, with many parts of Southern California experiencing severe drought, the driest start to the rainy season on record, and the driest 9-month period on record before the start of the wind event and subsequent fires.[2][3] The National Weather Service Los Angeles office described the windstorm as potentially "life-threatening". The NWS predicted that winds would "accelerate to dangerous levels" beginning on the afternoon of January 7, and would last through early January 8 for Southern California. The NWS warned that the "destructive" winds would likely result in widespread power outages and downed trees.[1] It predicted that it would be the region's "most destructive windstorm seen since 2011".[4] The NWS also issued its most severe category of red flag warning with the particularly dangerous situation, for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, indicating extreme fire danger. The warning specifically emphasized the possibility of rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior due to the combination of powerful winds and low humidity levels. Southern California had experienced increasing aridity since late Summer 2024, as storm systems predominantly affected the Pacific Northwest instead. By late December 2024, most of Los Angeles County had entered moderate drought status, creating heightened fire vulnerability due to desiccated vegetation in what was traditionally the region's wet season.[1][5] By the morning of January 7, an anemometer in Magic Mountain Truck Trail in Santa Clarita reported wind speeds of 84 miles per hour (135 km/h; 38 m/s), Escondido Canyon reported 62 miles per hour (100 km/h; 28 m/s), and the Van Nuys Airport reported 55 miles per hour (89 km/h; 25 m/s), based on the National Weather Service.[6] The NWS reported at 6:19 p.m. PST that the windstorm could become Southern California's strongest wind event of 2025, especially in its valleys.[7] PreparationOn January 6, California governor Gavin Newsom stated he would delegate 65 fire engines, seven helicopters, seven water tenders, and 109 workers towards combating any wildfires that arose.[5] Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass issued warnings to residents to avoid wind-downed power lines, and emphasized the risk of the windstorm becoming one of the most significant in over a decade.[8] Bass was out of the country for the inauguration of Ghanaian president John Mahama.[9] Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson filled in as acting mayor for the event.[10] Southern California Edison, the area's primary electricity provider, anticipated possible power disruptions affecting up to 400,000 of its 5 million customers, and proposed cutting off power in order to prevent fires from starting due to faulty equipment.[1] San Diego Gas & Electric also stated that it would cut power prior to the onset of extreme weather.[5] Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District stated that it would close all its schools in Malibu for January 7 "due to worsening weather conditions and safety concerns."[5] Los Angeles Unified School District stated that it would temporarily relocate several Pacific Palisades schools and limit outdoor activities to protect against wind. Sections of Pacific Coast Highway were closed due to the risk of severe winds causing danger for traffic.[8] In advance of potential wildfires, all 114 tanks making up Los Angeles' water infrastructure were filled.[11] The National Interagency Fire Center raised the National Preparedness Level to 2, allowing for the exigent use of federal assets.[12] Lead-upIn December 2024, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley warned that a $17.6 million budget reduction approved by Mayor Bass had also reduced the department's emergency response capabilities. The largest cut was about $7 million from the department's variable overtime hours ("V-Hours") program, which has traditionally funded training, fire prevention, and essential emergency response functions. Other cuts reduced "FAA-mandated pilot training and helicopter coordination staffing for wildfire suppression", bulldozer teams responsible for constructing control lines and firebreaks around wildfires, as well as the Critical Incident Planning and Training Section responsible for developing major emergency response plans, faced reduced resources. The fire department's ability to maintain automatic and mutual aid agreements with other jurisdictions was also reduced.[13] According to a chart released by Los Angeles City Controller Kennith Mejia, only municipal street services received a larger budget cut than the city's fire sector in the 2024–25 fiscal year.[14] As winds began to blow on January 7, the City of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency in anticipation of heightening winds. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a dust storm warning for several counties in Southern California, warning that the harsh winds could blow dust and soil into the air, allowing it to be inhaled.[15] A news conference held by United States President Joe Biden in Coachella Valley to sign proclamations for the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument was cancelled due to excessive winds.[6][16] Dozens of trees were downed throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including in Pasadena.[16] At midday, the event left more than 20,000 customers without power.[17] For the third time in three months, Southern California Edison shut off power to various areas to reduce the chance that electrical equipment might ignite additional fires. These preventative measures left thousands without power.[18][19] Several flights were delayed due to the intensity of the winds, with pilots being given warnings to not fly close to terrain.[17] The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a temporary stop to ground activities at the Hollywood Burbank Airport, following strong wind gusts forcing multiple go-arounds. Southwest Airlines diverted or cancelled several flights due to strong winds present at Ontario and Burbank airports.[8] Wildfires 2025 Los Angeles fires (map data) As of January 9, there are five fires burning throughout the city. The extreme intensity of the windstorm coupled with dry vegetation due to prolonged drought conditions caused fires to spread rapidly, and caused embers to fly and set spot fires far away.[8][20] Palisades Fire.jpg) A significant blaze, dubbed the Palisades Fire, ignited near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, rapidly expanding to encompass 5,000 acres (2,000 ha; 7.8 sq mi; 20 km2). This fire necessitated mandatory evacuations along sections of the Pacific Coast Highway and surrounding areas, with the Westwood Recreation Center serving as an emergency shelter.[1][21] During midday, the fire was reportedly expanding at a rate equal to "three football fields of land per minute", with firefighters attempting to work despite strong winds.[22] Immediate evacuation orders were issued for residents of Santa Monica living north of San Vicente Boulevard.[23] At 12:11 p.m. PST on January 8, the City of Malibu urged all residents that had not left already to prepare to evacuate due to the fire being uncontained.[24] Evacuation orders were given for the LA neighborhood of Brentwood.[8] As of 1:23 p.m. PST on January 8, the fire has burned 15,832 acres (6,407 ha; 24.738 sq mi; 64.07 km2).[21] Eaton FireShortly after January 7 at 6:15 p.m. PST, a brush fire in Eaton Canyon in the Altadena-Pasadena region, dubbed the Eaton Fire, was first reported with an area of 20 acres (8.1 ha; 0.031 sq mi; 0.081 km2). By 7:12 p.m., the fire had grown to at least 200 acres (81 ha; 0.31 sq mi; 0.81 km2) in size, with Los Angeles County Fire Captain Sheila Kelliher remarking that the fire would grow rapidly due to the ongoing windstorm.[25][26] Within six hours, the Eaton Fire had grown to 1,000 acres (400 ha; 1.6 sq mi; 4.0 km2) in size. The Terraces at Park Marino evacuated 95 senior citizens, with images showing many in wheelchairs and wearing only gowns.[23] Evacuations were later expanded in Pasadena and in northern Sierra Madre and Arcadia. The AltaMed Medical Center and several residences in Hastings Ranch were "engulfed in flames".[27] By January 8 at 10:36 a.m. PST, the fire had jumped to 10,600 acres (4,300 ha; 16.6 sq mi; 43 km2).[28] At midday, the fire began to advance into residential zones of Pasadena. All of La Cañada Flintridge was ordered to evacuate.[8] Five people have died in the fire.[29] Hurst FireAt 10:10 p.m. PST, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a 50 acres (20 ha; 0.078 sq mi; 0.20 km2) brushfire in northern Sylmar, dubbed the Hurst Fire, had a "rapid rate of spread", and instituted immediate evacuation orders for all areas north of the Foothill Freeway between Roxford Street and the Interstate 5–California State Route 14 split.[30] By noon on January 8, the fire had grown to 700 acres (280 ha; 1.1 sq mi; 2.8 km2).[31] By 7:15 p.m. PST, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the Hurst Fire had grown to 850 acres.[32] Sunset Fire The Sunset Fire started in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon Park on January 8, 2025 at 5:39 pm PST. This fire resulted in officials issuing an evacuation order for the Hollywood Hills area which included tens of thousands of people.[33][34] The area included in the evacuation order was bordered by Laurel Canyon Blvd (on the West), Mulholland Dr (on the North), the 101 Freeway (on the East), and Hollywood Blvd (on the South).[35][36] By 8:21 pm PST, the fire has grown to 50 acres (20 ha; 0.078 sq mi; 0.20 km2).[37] Additional firesAt 5 am, a fire started in a homeless tent city within the Santa Ana riverbed, and burnt down several makeshift residences and belongings, a recreational vehicle, and several vehicles. The fire grew to 1 acre (0.40 ha; 0.0016 sq mi; 0.0040 km2) before firefighters extinguished it, with no injuries reported.[38] Firefighters responded to a separate blaze in the Hollywood Hills vicinity of Los Angeles County near Sunset Boulevard.[1] The brush fire was extinguished shortly after it ignited.[15] At 3:44 pm PST, a brush fire dubbed the Gulch Fire was reported to the north of Santa Clarita, close to Dry Gulch Mountainway and San Francisquito Canyon Road. The fire was held to 1 acre (0.40 ha; 0.0016 sq mi; 0.0040 km2) in area.[39] At 5:28 pm PST, the King Fire was reported in Los Angeles near Ladera Heights, at oil derricks northeast of La Cienega Boulevard. A separate nearby fire was reported at 5:39 PM to the west of La Cienega Blvd. Both fires totaled an area of 3 acres (1.2 ha; 0.0047 sq mi; 0.012 km2).[40] The fires were contained to 1 acre (0.40 ha; 0.0016 sq mi; 0.0040 km2) by 6:18 PM.[41] At 9:06 pm PST, the 1.5 acres (0.61 ha; 0.0023 sq mi; 0.0061 km2) Bert Fire was reported in Pasadena, which grew to 3 acres (1.2 ha; 0.0047 sq mi; 0.012 km2) by 9:16 pm. Its blown embers produced spot fires that threatened nearby structures in the neighborhood.[42] On January 8 at 3:03 am PST, the Tyler Fire was reported in Coachella, Riverside County. The fire spread to 15 acres (6.1 ha; 0.023 sq mi; 0.061 km2) and destroyed two structures before its forward progress was held by firefighters.[24] At roughly 6:15 am PST, the Woodley Fire ignited and burned 75 acres (30 ha; 0.117 sq mi; 0.30 km2) near the Sepulveda Basin.[24] It was revised to 30 acres (12 ha; 0.047 sq mi; 0.12 km2).[43] The Olivas Fire was reported at 10:44 am PST spreading along the coast of Ventura, Ventura County. The fire grew to 11 acres (4.5 ha; 0.017 sq mi; 0.045 km2), with one injury reported.[44][45] The Lidia Fire was reported at around 1:10 pm PST. The fire grew to 50 acres (20 ha; 0.078 sq mi; 0.20 km2) acres within an hour; by 8:06 pm, it had grown to 348 acres (141 ha; 0.544 sq mi; 1.41 km2). Evacuation orders were issued for some areas near Acton.[46] Metrolink halted service in the area.[47] The Sunswept Fire was reported by LAFD at 8:52 PM in on the 3000 block of North Sunswept in Studio City, Los Angeles.[48] The fire impacted a four story home but was extinguished by firefighters without spreading significantly further.[49] ImpactAs of January 9, five deaths were attributed to the Eaton Fire, and more than 100 structures were reported destroyed.[24][29] Several burn injuries were reported, and a 25-year-old firefighter suffered a "serious head injury".[8] About 9 pm PST, many burn victims walked towards Duke's Malibu restaurant, where they were medically treated and transferred to hospitals.[27] Structural damageWildfire Alliance statistics indicated that the Palisades fire alone was by far the most destructive in the Los Angeles region, with at least 1,000 structures destroyed, surpassing the Sayre Fire which destroyed 604 structures in 2008, and the Bel Air Fire which destroyed nearly 500 houses in 1961.[33] The Reel Inn, a 36-year old seafood restaurant, was confirmed by its owners to have been destroyed in the Palisades Fire.[23] The Palisades Charter High School was "engulfed" by the fire after the wildfire reached the site at roughly 4 pm PST. No one was in the school due to it being out for winter break. Vegetation and trees near the Getty Villa burned, with no structural damage being reported as of 5:20 pm PST.[8] The fire also spread to the Palisades Charter Elementary School.[27] Several beachfront properties in Malibu were destroyed by the wildfire. Dozens of cars abandoned on highways during evacuations were completely burnt, with bulldozers having to force several vehicles out of the way in order for firefighters to access burning areas.[24] The Eaton Fire destroyed the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center.[50] CBS News journalist Jonathan Vigliotti reported that "most everything is gone" in downtown Pacific Palisades aside from the local mall, and described the damage as "beyond comprehension." He also reported that embers from existing fires were being "blown more than a mile" by the severe windstorm and creating spot fires.[51] The Malibu Feed Bin and Theater Palisades' Pierson Playhouse were destroyed in the Palisades fire.[8] Several celebrities' houses had burned down in the wildfires including the homes of Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes, Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, John Goodman and James Woods.[52][33][53][54] Power outagesBy the night of January 7, nearly 50,000 customers suffered power outages, 28,300 under the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and 21,699 under Southern California Edison.[55] The number in the Los Angeles metropolitan area alone increased to over 200,000 by around 9:30 pm PST, with outages reported in Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank.[8] On January 8, power outages in the LA metro area reached close to 400,000.[51] Air qualityWinds blew wildfire smoke across Los Angeles, leading to several "very unhealthy" air quality index readings of over 200, with the PM2.5 of the Harrison ES station reaching 184.1 µg/m³, or 36.8 times the annual World Health Organization guideline value.[8][56][57] Air quality peaked at 569 µg/m³ in the region, representing the most hazardous category and necessitating avoidance of all outdoor activity.[58] UCLA Health pulmonologist May-Lin Wilgus expected LA residents to suffer from burning eyes and irritation due to the concentrated smoke, and urged residents with underlying health conditions such as COPD and asthma to avoid all outdoor activity and to close all doors and windows while running air conditioning. Los Angeles City Council president Marqueece Harris-Dawson reported that visibility had fallen below one block in Southern Los Angeles, and urged residents to avoid driving when possible.[8] School closuresAt least 19 Los Angeles school districts announced school closures.[59] Pepperdine University closed its Calabasas and Malibu campuses.[24] All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were closed January 9 as a result of fire conditions and the destruction of two elementary schools.[33] Entertainment industryDue to severe winds and fire danger, Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Pictures cancelled the Hollywood premieres of Wolf Man and Unstoppable.[55] Universal Studios closed its Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and Universal CityWalk.[24] The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards cancelled a live announcement of its nominees, instead issuing the list in a press release.[51] The 30th Annual Critics' Choice Awards, intended to be held on January 12 in Santa Monica, were postponed to January 26.[60] Several Hollywood entertainment headquarters and production centers were shut down, postponing production of several shows and movies such as Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, Hacks, Ted Lasso, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, After Midnight, Fallout, On Call, and The Last Showgirl.[8] The deadline for Oscar nomination voting was delayed for two days due to the fire.[61] The National Hockey League postponed a January 8 game at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames due to the wildfires.[8] The National Football League announced on January 8 that it still plans to hold a scheduled January 13 playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, but it would be moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona if necessary.[62] Wind damageHundreds of trees were reported to have fallen due to strong wind gusts during the accompanying windstorm. Roughly ten semi-trucks were blown over on a section of Route 210 close to Fontana. Multiple flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport were delayed or cancelled due to strong winds.[8] TransportationThe LA Metro suspended fare collection on January 8 because of intermittent power outages that made it difficult for users to buy and load fare cards. Some Los Angeles bus lines also closed while some were detoured as a result of the wind and wildfire damage to the city.[33] Water supplyDozens of fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades were reported by firefighting personnel to have little to no water flow during initial firefighting efforts to control the Palisades Fire. The chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Janisse Quiñones, reported that all fire hydrants in the area "went dry" by around 3 a.m. PST on January 8. The emptying of water tanks worsened the lack of pressure in the city's trunk lines to transport water to higher areas, with firefighters being unable to reach pump stations to aid transport due to the fire spreading out of control.[11] Quiñones reported that the response to the fires caused "tremendous demand on our [water] system", with "the public water system faced four times its usual demand".[63] Supplies for firefighting was "being emptied three times in less than 24 hours". The Fire Department was forced to add 75 cubic feet per second on its water lines in order to maintain enough water pressure. Firefighters resorted to delegating construction personnel to transport water tanks to areas requiring them.[24] LA County Public Works director Mark Pestrella requested that evacuating residents turn off their water and gas lines so more water could go to firefighting efforts.[8] The Pasadena Water & Power Department issued a Water Alert on January 8 due to debris and elevated Turbidity in the water supply.[64] LootingThere have been several reports of teenagers and young adults looting abandoned houses amid the chaos. Three people had been arrested and charged with burglary as of January 8. Officials condemned the looting.[65] ResponseLos Angeles County Fire Department issued urgent requests for firefighters from Ventura, Orange, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties to aid in firefighting efforts.[24] Chief Anthony Marrone said the county's 29 fire departments lacked enough personnel to combat the wildfires.[8] Intensifying wind gusts at 7 p.m. PST on January 7 resulted in the mass grounding of firefighting aircraft. Sudden changes in wind direction put different areas at risk and complicated firefighting.[8] Evacuation shelters for animals were designated: the Rose Bowl in Pasadena large animals, the Pasadena Humane Society for small ones.[51] At midday on January 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the California National Guard.[45] US President Joe Biden ordered the Department of Defense to provide firefighting personnel and equipment. US Navy helicopters were sent from San Diego, and the Nevada National Guard and United States Forest Service sent fire engines.[66] In an afternoon press conference, Marrone said firefighters were arriving from other states: 60 teams from Oregon, 45 from Washington State, 15 from Utah, 10 from New Mexico and an unspecified amount from Arizona.[33] ReactionsLos Angeles councilwoman Traci Park stated that the wildfires were "a devastating loss, for all of Los Angeles".[8] Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna condemned looting attempts amid the wildfires, and warned that anyone who took advantage of the fire to steal in impacted areas that: "...you're going to be caught, you're going to be arrested, and you're going to be prosecuted".[67] Governor of California Gavin Newsom urged residents to follow evacuation orders, and stated to the incoming Trump administration that "I'm not here to play any politics" after he contacted President Joe Biden to receive federal fire assistance with "No politics, no handwringing, no kissing of the feet."[8] He later cancelled his trip to Washington, D.C., where he had planned to attend Jimmy Carter's memorial service. President Joe Biden offered any federal assistance needed to suppress the Palisades Fire.[68] In addition, Vice President Kamala Harris urged people to heed the guidance of local officials.[69] CriticismLocal social-media users criticized Los Angeles city officials and the Department of Water and Power (DWP) for not maintaining adequate water supplies and flow across the city. Rick Caruso, a real estate developer and runner-up in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election, criticized Mayor Bass and Los Angeles' inadequate firefighting infrastructure, noting that several firefighters were unable to do anything about residences and businesses burning around them.[11] Bass's absence during President Joe Biden's visit to Santa Monica to assess fire damage drew criticism, including from former Obama administration spokesperson Tommy Vietor. Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong condemned Bass's $17.6 million budget cuts to the fire department, noting that severe fire hazard conditions had been known well in advance and that fire hydrants in Pacific Palisades lacked pressure.[70] List of wildfires
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