Deadly Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles Area, 25 Dead and Thousands Evacuated

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — At least 25 people have died as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, continue to rage across the Los Angeles area. Thousands of firefighters are battling blazes across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County, with 82,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders and another 90,000 under evacuation warnings.

The Palisades Fire, which began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, has destroyed about 5,000 structures and burned more than 23,000 acres. It is currently 19% contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, which also started on Jan. 7, has destroyed or damaged around 7,000 structures and burned over 14,000 acres. It is 45% contained.

A new air quality alert has been issued for Los Angeles County until 7 p.m. local time due to harmful particle pollution levels from windblown dust and ash. Health experts warn that this pollution can embed deep into the lungs, causing heart disease symptoms, asthma attacks, and an increased risk for respiratory infections. Public officials have urged residents to stay indoors, wear protective equipment, and purify indoor air.

Two people were arrested for arson in separate incidents just outside the fire zone on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. In one case, a citizen extinguished a fire in a tree and detained a suspect who admitted to starting the fire because he “liked the smell of burning leaves.” In another incident, a suspect was arrested after setting trash on fire, claiming she enjoyed causing “chaos and destruction.”

Cal Fire Incident Commander Gerry Magaña reported little to no fire growth at both the Eaton and Palisades fires over the last 24 hours. However, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned that critical fire weather conditions will continue through Wednesday evening. Winds reached 30 to 40 mph overnight, with the possibility of 70 mph gusts, according to LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

The Eaton Fire, which decimated homes in Altadena, is now the second-most destructive fire in California history and the most destructive in Los Angeles. With 7,000 structures damaged or destroyed and at least 16 fatalities, it is also the fifth deadliest wildfire in the state’s history.