Fire crews in Los Angeles are battling multiple wildfires that have resulted in at least 11 fatalities. As of January 11, 2025, firefighters are utilizing a temporary lull in wind conditions to establish containment lines around the blazes. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a significant decrease in wind speed through Saturday, providing an 18-hour window for firefighting efforts before stronger winds return.
The upcoming wind event is expected to impact the San Gabriel Mountains and nearby valleys with gusts reaching up to 60 mph. Forecasters have indicated that Tuesday could see the most intense winds, which may enhance fire danger in the region.
The largest fire, located in Pacific Palisades, has consumed approximately 20,000 acres and resulted in five confirmed deaths. Another significant blaze in the Eaton Canyon area has claimed at least six lives. Additional fires have ignited in various locations including Sylmar and Hollywood Hills.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has expressed concerns regarding the potential for further fatalities, indicating that some affected areas appear devastated. As of Friday morning, over 153,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 166,800 under evacuation warnings.
Cal Fire reports that over 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire, while the Eaton Fire has affected roughly 7,000 structures. Economic loss estimates from these fires have surged to between $135 billion and $150 billion, marking it as one of the most costly wildfire disasters in U.S. history.
In response to the crisis, President Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration, allowing for 100% federal cost coverage for firefighting and recovery efforts for 180 days. The California National Guard has been deployed to assist with traffic control and patrols in affected areas.
As part of safety measures, Southern California Edison has implemented power shutoffs for over 26,853 customers in Los Angeles County to prevent fire risks. The city has also enforced parking restrictions to facilitate emergency access during this high-risk period.