08 Jan 2025 | 10:13 AM UTC
US: Emergency crews continue to respond to wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, early Jan. 8 /update 3
Firefighters responding to wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, US early Jan. 8. Tens of thousands evacuated, damage reported.
Emergency crews are working to contain three wildfires burning in Los Angeles County, California, as of early Jan. 8. The fires are spreading rapidly amid very strong winds and are threatening more than 13,000 structures. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate due to the rapid spread of the fires and reports indicate several homes have been engulfed by the flames. More than 1,400 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blazes. Fires and strong winds have also led to power outages in some areas; more than 200,000 people across Los Angeles County are without electricity as power companies implemented emergency shutdowns. Authorities have declared a state of emergency due to the fires.
The fire of greatest concern is the Palisades Fire that broke out southeast of Palisades Drive around 10:30 Jan. 7. As of early Jan. 8, the fire has burned around 1,182 hectares (2,921 acres) and is zero percent contained. Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 30,000 residents in the following zones: LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, MAL-C112-B, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, SAN-Q1395-B, SAN-Q1396-B, SSM-U010-A, SSM-U010-B, TOP-U001, TOP-U002, TOP-U003, TOP-U004, TOP-U005, TOP-U006, TOP-U007, TOP-U008, and TOP-U009. Evacuation warnings are in place for the surrounding areas, including zones CAL-C405, CAL-C406, CAL-C407, CAL-C408, CAL-C409, CAL-C410, CAL-C411, CAL-C412, CAL-C413, CAL-C414, CAL-C415, DRY-U026, MAL-C112, MAL-C112-A, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-C, RRC-U027, SAN-Q1395-A, SAN-Q1396-A, and SDP-U029. Authorities have set up emergency shelters at the Westwood Recreation Center and El Camino Real Charter High School. Several roads in the vicinity of the fire are closed, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway. The latest updates regarding evacuation orders and road closures can be found here. Reports indicate that several structures have been damaged. Several schools are closed or relocating.
The Eaton Fire broke out in the hills above Altadena near Eaton Canyon late Jan. 7. The fire has grown to around 405 hectares (1,00 acres) and is zero percent contained. More than 5,000 people have been evacuated in the Pasadena area due to the fire. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for zones ALD-EASTLOMA, ALD-EATONCANYON, ALD-GARFIAS, ALD-MENDOCINO, ALD-MIDLOTHIAN, ALD-MOUNTLOWE, ALD-RUBIO, ARC-001, ARC-002, ARC-004, KIN-KINNELOA, LAC-E183, PAS-E019, PAS-E022, SMD-E001, SMD-E002, SMD-E003, SMD-E004, SMD-E005, SMD-E006, SMD-E007, SMD-E008, SMD-E009, SMD-E010, SMD-E011, SMD-E012, SMD-E013, SMD-E014, SMD-E015, SMD-E016, SMD-E017, and SMD-E019, as well as the area north of Orange Grove/Rosemead Blvd., east of Lake Ave., and west of Michillinda Ave. Evacuation warnings are in place for the surrounding areas, including zones ARC-003, ARC-005, MRV-101, MRV-102, MRV-201, MRV-202, MRV-203, MRV-204, PAS-E014, PAS-E015, PAS-E016, PAS-E017, PAS-E018, PAS-E020, and SMD-E018. An evacuation shelter has been established at the Pasadena Convention Center, and the Westwood Recreation Center and El Camino Real Charter High School opened for the Palisades Fire are also available to evacuated residents. The latest updates regarding evacuation orders can be found here.
The Hurst Fire broke out near Diamond Road in Sylmar late Jan. 7. The fire has grown to around 202 hectares (500 acres) and is zero percent contained. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for zones LAC-E132-A, LAC-E132-B, LOS-E001, SCL-CALGROVE, SCL-ETERNAL, SCL-NEWHALLPASS, and SCL-WILDWOOD and evacuation warnings for zones LAC-E131-B and LOS-Q0449-B. CAL Fire has warned that evacuation orders are rapidly changing; the latest information regarding evacuation orders can be found here. Evacuation shelters have been established at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima, Northridge Park in Northridge, and Sepulveda Recreation Center in Panorama City.
Smoke from the fire could worsen air quality in the affected areas over the short term. Depending on the progression of the wildfire, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will probably close routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Further power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall will probably contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Heed evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
