US: Wildfire response continues in Los Angeles County, CA, as of late Jan. 9 /update 7

Emergency crews continue to work to contain three major wildfires and several other smaller fires burning in Los Angeles County, California, as of late Jan. 9. The blazes continue to spread amid strong winds, with little progress in containing the major fires amid the challenging conditions. The winds eased slightly Jan. 9, but critical fire weather is likely to persist through at least Jan. 10. The wildfires burned or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, including homes, schools, and businesses, and killed at least six people in and around Altadena and Pasadena. Authorities stated that it is too early to provide an accurate death toll, but the numbers are likely to rise. Almost 180,000 residents evacuated their homes due to the rapid spread of the fires, and another 200,000 are under evacuation warnings. The combination of large-scale evacuations and multiple road closures due to the fires caused severe traffic congestion in the affected areas. Authorities deployed more than 7,500 firefighters to tackle the blazes. The fires and strong winds also led to power outages in some areas, with over 200,000 people without power across LA County and more than 210,000 others across surrounding counties of southern California as power companies implemented emergency shutdowns. Authorities declared a state of emergency due to the fires, and President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California. The Santa Monica City Council issued an emergency order, including a sunset-to-sunrise curfew in all areas where mandatory evacuation orders are in effect. 20 people were arrested for looting.

Air quality alerts, red flag warnings, and high wind warnings remain in place across parts of LA County and surrounding areas of southern California as of late Jan. 9; further fire growth is likely in the coming hours and days. Air quality reached hazardous levels in parts of the region due to smoke from the fires. The City of Pasadena issued an urgent alert concerning unsafe drinking water in areas impacted by the Eaton Fire due to debris and elevated turbidity in the drinking water system. Despite the smoke from the fires, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is operating normally as of late Jan, 9; however, officials advised to check the status of their flights with their airlines. Multiple school districts canceled classes; all schools within Pasadena and Glendale Unified School Districts are closed through at least Jan. 10, and all schools in LA Unified School District through at least Jan. 9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is also closed.

As of late Jan. 9, the following wildfires continue to threaten homes and cause evacuations:

Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire broke out southeast of Palisades Drive at around 10:30 Jan. 7, impacting areas such as Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Santa Monica. As of late Jan. 9, the fire burned to around 6,974 hectares (17,234 acres) and was zero percent contained. Authorities issued evacuation orders and warnings for tens of thousands of residents across the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Topanga, and other surrounding areas; for the latest information regarding evacuation orders and warnings click here. Officials may issue additional evacuation orders and warnings in the coming hours. Authorities have set up emergency shelters at the Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, and the Pasadena Convention Center. Several roads in the vicinity of the fire are closed, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate-10. To view the latest updates

Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire broke out in the hills above Altadena near Eaton Canyon the evening of Jan. 7, affecting areas such as Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. The fire burned to around 5,540 hectares (13,690 acres) and is zero percent contained as of late Jan. 9. Officials issued evacuation orders for more than 52,000 people in Altadena and surrounding areas, and evacuation warnings are in place for other surrounding areas; for the latest information regarding evacuation orders and warnings click here. Authorities have established an evacuation center at the Arcadia Community Center and Pomona Fairplex. In addition, affected residents can access evacuation shelters at the Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, and the Pasadena Convention Center, which are also open to those affected by the Palisades Fire.

Hurst Fire
The Hurst Fire broke out near Diamond Road in Sylmar late Jan. 7, affecting areas such as Sylmar and Granada Hills. The fire grew to around 272 hectares (671 acres) and was 10-percent contained as of late Jan. 9. Authorities issued evacuation orders and warnings for several zones near the fire; for the latest information regarding evacuation orders, click here. Officials opened an evacuation shelter at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima.

Sunset Fire
The Sunset Fire broke out on 2300 block Solar Drive in Hollywood Hills the evening of Jan. 8, affecting areas such as Hollywood Hills. The fire has grown to around 17 hectares (43 acres) and is fully contained as of late Jan. 9. Authorities rescinded all evacuation orders and warnings related to the fire.

Kenneth Fire
The Kenneth Fire broke out near Victory Boulevard west of Gilmore Street in West Hills the afternoon of Jan. 9 near the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The fire grew to around 20 hectares (50 acres) and was zero percent contained as of late Jan. 9. Authorities issued evacuation orders for Vanowen south to Burbank Boulevard and County Lane Road east to Valley Circle Boulevard and evacuation warnings for Kanan Road and Agoura Road, east of Kanan Road to Deer Hill; for the latest information regarding evacuation orders, click here.

Smoke from the fires could worsen air quality in the affected areas over the short term. Depending on the progression of the wildfires, 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.