Approximately 88,000 residents in Los Angeles County remain under mandatory evacuation orders due to the Palisades and Eaton fires, while another 85,000 are under evacuation warnings. Some residents of unincorporated Altadena returned home on Tuesday (January 14) after evacuating due to the Eaton Fire. Combined with smaller fires, these blazes have scorched nearly 39,000 acres in the county.
The Palisades Fire, burning 23,700 acres, is 17% contained, while the Eaton Fire, covering 14,100 acres, is 35% contained. Sheriff Robert Luna stated, “It is still very dangerous for the next 24 hours,” as strong winds are expected to fan the flames. Over 600 National Guard members are assisting local agencies, and authorities have reported dozens of arrests for burglary, curfew violations, and other crimes.
The fires are among the most destructive in Southern California history, with the Eaton Fire ranking as the most destructive. The fires have burned over 60 square miles and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. A UCLA analysis suggests that climate change has exacerbated the fires, making them larger and more intense.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to prevent unsolicited cash offers to wildfire victims. The National Weather Service warns of strong winds overnight, urging residents to remain on high alert. The fires have resulted in at least 25 deaths, with 13 people still missing.
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