08 Jan 2025 | 05:20 AM UTC
US: Emergency crews responding to wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, late Jan. 7 /update 2
Firefighters responding to wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, US late Jan. 7; Tens of thousands evacuated.
Emergency crews are working to contain wildfires burning in Los Angeles County, California, as of late Jan. 7. The fires are spreading rapidly amid very strong winds and are threatening more than 13,000 structures. At least 250 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blazes. Fires and strong winds have also led to power outages in some areas. At least 50,000 people across Los Angeles County are without electricity as power companies implemented emergency shutdowns. Authorities declared a state of emergency due to the fires.
The Palisades Fire that broke out southeast of Palisades Drive early Jan. 7 burned around 1,182 hectares (2,921 acres) and is 0 percent contained. Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 30,000 residents in LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, RMB-U030-A, 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, affecting the area from Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to Pacific Coast Highway as well as Topanga Canyon Beach, Tuna Canyon Park, and Santa Monica north of San Vicente Boulevard. Evacuation warnings are in place for the surrounding areas, including 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-C111-A, MAL-C112, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, RRC-U027, 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. Evacuees should head southbound on Palisades Drive to Westbound Sunset Boulevard to southbound Pacific Coast Highway. More information on 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 that broke out in the hills above Altadena near Eaton Canyon late Jan. 7 burned around 162 hectares (400 acres) and is 0 percent contained. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for ALD-EASTLOMA, ALD-EATONCANYON, ALD-GARFIAS, ALD-MENDOCINO, ALD-MIDLOTHIAN, ALD-MOUNTLOWE, ALD-RUBIO, KIN-KINNELOA, and PAS-E019, affecting the area north of New York Drive, east of Altadena Drive, and west of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue. Evacuation warnings are in place for the surrounding areas, including PAS-E014, PAS-E015, PAS-E016, PAS-E017, and PAS-E018. More information on evacuation orders can be found here.
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 complex 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.
