Wildfire In Los Angeles Burns Out Of Control | 25 Lives Lost And Over 180,000 Run For Their Lives!
This week, Los Angeles faced one of the most destructive wildfires in history. The fire began on Tuesday afternoon, rapidly spreading across the region due to strong winds and dry conditions. Initially reported at 300 acres, the fire expanded to 1,200 acres within just 90 minutes. Governor Gavin Newsom quickly declared a state of emergency as the fire engulfed over 23,654 acres. Tragically, 25 lives have already been lost, and more than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.
Scenes of abandoned cars, jammed roads, and residents running on foot paint a chaotic picture of desperation and it almost looks apocalyptic. According to reports, 5 fires are now burning out of control in Los Angeles County. Traffic stretched across Sunset Boulevard, with people leaving behind their belongings to escape the flames. Residents of the Pacific Palisade are now issued an “unsafe water alert.” Check below for more. (This news is being updated with live and recent updates)
Unsafe Water Alert Issued for Pacific Palisades and Nearby Areas
As firefighters continue battling the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles, residents in Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities have been advised to use extreme caution with their water supply. The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) has issued a safety alert, urging people to “only use boiled water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes until further notice.”
This warning, issued on January 8, comes as a result of low water pressure in the distribution system, which has been heavily impacted by high water usage during efforts to combat the Pacific Palisades wildfire.
“Please if you’re going to be drinking water you need to boil the water. This applies to water that is used for brushing teeth, making ice cubes, and food preparation such as washing produce. We are fighting a wildfire with an urban water system and that is really challenging.” the LAWDP’s website said.
The LADWP has provided specific guidance for residents:
- Bring all tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use, then allow it to cool.
- Apply this precaution to any water used for drinking, brushing teeth, food preparation, or making ice cubes.
The advisory will remain in effect until the system’s pressure is fully restored and water quality tests confirm safety. Testing is expected to take at least 48 hours, according to the LADWP.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow these precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging time.
The Scope of Destruction
The wildfire has left a devastating impact on communities and infrastructure. Over 2,000 buildings have been destroyed, and neighborhoods in Malibu, Altadena, and the Hollywood Hills have suffered significant damage.
The Palisades Fire that is burning in the seaside area between Malibu and Santa Monica has engulfed more than 19,978 acres with zero containment. Over 2,000 structures are burned to ashes, making this the most destructive ever in Los Angeles County, according to Cal Fire. According to recent reports, more than 200,000 remaining houses in the area have lost power.
“That’s nearly 180,000 people in Los Angeles County that are currently under evacuation orders with another close to 200,000 residents that are under evacuation warnings.” Sheriff Robert G. Luna
The other massive fire that is moving fast, the Eaton Fire, is overtaking homes across Altadena. CNN’s Anderson Cooper at the scene says, “It is just a surreal scene.” In addition to flames and embers, of the burning homes reporter Anderson Cooper also said there had been multiple explosions in the area.
The Eaton fire, Palisades fire, and the Sunset fire are all 6% % contained as of now.
“In Altadena, fires are still just out of control. “Look at all these embers. All these embers in the trees. They’re now going through the air; they’re now flying down the block to a number of houses which have not yet burned.”
Cooper said, while located in front of a burning home.
Evacuation Orders and Thousands Displaced
Evacuation orders have affected tens of thousands of people:
- Eaton Fire: Over 70,000 people displaced.
- Palisades Fire: About 60,000 people evacuated.
Even schools have been affected, with all campuses in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the nation, shutting down. Emergency services, already stretched thin, responded to nearly 4,000,911 calls while battling six simultaneous fires across the county.
Utility providers are also struggling. Over 39,600 Southern California Edison customers lost power, and some areas near fire zones remain without electricity. Crews have restored power to 133,000 customers, but challenges persist in areas requiring fire department approval for repairs.
Factors Driving the Fire’s Ferocity
Several factors contributed to the wildfire’s rapid spread:
- Santa Ana Winds: Gusts reaching up to 100 mph fueled the flames, making containment nearly impossible.
- Dry and Windy Conditions: Historically, low humidity combined with erratic winds has worsened the situation.
Six major fires are now burning across Los Angeles County:
- Palisades Fire: Over 23,654 acres burned; 1,792 firefighters are on the scene – 11% contained
- Eaton Fire: Over 14,117 acres; cause under investigation – 15% contained
- Kenneth Fire: at least 1,052 acres and 90% contained
- Hurst Fire: Over 799 acres; 260 personnel assigned – 76% contained
- Woodley Fire: Controlled at 30 acres – 100% contained
- Lidia Fire: 394 acres burned near Acton – 100% contained
- Sunset Fire: Contained and evacuation orders are lifted
Kristin Crowley, Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, described the fire as “very dynamic” and called it one of the most historic fire conditions Southern California has ever faced.
Uncertainty Surrounds Death Toll in LA Wildfires
The wildfire has already claimed 25 lives, with officials fearing the number may rise. Thousands of families have been displaced, seeking refuge in shelters or staying with friends and family.
However, the exact number of fatalities remains unclear. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has made remarks about the significant devastation but urged patience as authorities work to assess the full impact.
“At one point, we’ll be able to do a more thorough search of these impacted areas,” Luna said. “Some of them look like a bomb was dropped in them, where we will be able to bring in canines and other things to help us hopefully not discover too many fatalities. That’s our prayer.”
So far, officials have confirmed at least five deaths, but Sheriff Luna cautioned that the final death toll is likely to rise. “I hope I’m wrong, but I think it’s going to rise,” he said during a press conference.
The Sheriff’s Department is collaborating with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the exact number of fatalities. However, Luna admitted that gathering accurate data under current conditions is challenging.
“This is a crisis, and we don’t know what to expect,” he said. “Be patient with us when you ask us about death toll numbers. … Right now, frankly, we don’t know yet. We eventually will.”
Authorities plan to conduct a more detailed search of affected areas once conditions allow, using specialized resources such as search canines to aid in their efforts. In the meantime, Sheriff Luna emphasized the importance of understanding the magnitude of the disaster and the difficulties responders face in these early stages.
Heartbreaking Reality of Evacuees
One evacuee shared, “We had no time to pack. We just grabbed our kids and ran.” Such stories highlight the emotional toll these events take on affected communities.
Meanwhile, firefighters and first responders have been working tirelessly under extreme conditions. Off-duty personnel were recalled to assist, and federal, state, and local agencies are coordinating efforts to contain the fires. “This is one of the toughest battles we’ve ever faced,” said Chief Crowley.
Ethan Swope/AP
Cause of Eaton Fire Under Investigation
The cause of the Eaton Fire remains unknown but is under active investigation. Arson investigators from the US Forest Service and Los Angeles County Fire Department are working together to determine its origin..
Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Chief, stated, “The moment we learn the cause of this fire, we will advise the media.”
Santa Monica Enforces Curfew to Support First Responders
In response to the ongoing wildfire crisis, the city of Santa Monica has implemented a curfew from sunset to sunrise in areas under mandatory evacuation orders. This measure is designed to aid first responders in their efforts to manage the disaster and protect evacuated neighborhoods.
“The local emergency order provides Santa Monica police and our mutual aid partners another tool to continue to protect our community,” said City Manager David White. He emphasized the importance of keeping unauthorized individuals out of impacted areas, particularly those who may attempt to exploit the evacuations.
“Our first responders are out patrolling, staying vigilant, and coordinating with our partners throughout this emergency on all fronts. The order helps us ensure nobody enters impacted areas who is not supposed to, particularly those with nefarious intentions,” White added.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the scale of the firefighting effort, with over 7,500 personnel working on the ground alongside local and federal partners. He urged residents in Southern California to remain cautious and prepared.
“Southern California residents—please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you’re near impacted areas,” Newsom wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
More than 7,500 firefighting personnel are on the ground working with local and federal partners to respond to California's ongoing historic wildfires.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 9, 2025
Southern California residents — please remain vigilant tonight. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if you're…
The curfew and continued coordination among responders underscore the urgent need to manage resources effectively and ensure public safety during this unprecedented emergency.
The Bigger Picture: California’s Wildfire Crisis
California’s wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to prolonged drought and extreme weather patterns. Strong winds, coupled with dry conditions, make the state especially vulnerable.
LA district attorney threatens prosecution of looters and scammers preying on fire victims
As people grapple with the devastation caused by the wildfires, authorities are taking a firm stand against those attempting to exploit the crisis. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has issued a stern warning, vowing to prosecute looters and scammers preying on fire victims to the “fullest extent of the law.”
“While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much,” Hochman stated late Wednesday.
In an effort to reassure evacuees, Hochman added, “Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others — whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity — will not go unpunished.”
Two individuals have already been arrested for looting, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. Authorities are working diligently to secure evacuated areas to prevent further criminal activities.
“They are securing areas that are evacuated. And it’s always sad when I have to say this, but part of our responsibility is to make sure that no one loots or steals from our residents,” Luna stated earlier Wednesday.
Residents have been urged to stay away from fire-impacted areas, both for their safety and to aid law enforcement in protecting properties left behind by evacuees.
Stories of Heroism Amid the Raging Wildfires
Thousands of firefighters and first responders are working tirelessly, battling flames and evacuating residents, with many pulling grueling 48-hour shifts—even as some of their own homes fall victim to the fires. In addition to the efforts of these brave professionals, ordinary citizens have stepped up to help those in need.
One such story comes from Gail, a resident of Altadena, who witnessed the flames of the Eaton Fire engulf her next-door neighbor’s home. Watching helplessly as embers carried by the powerful winds threatened her own house, Gail shared her experience:
“Obviously they’re very busy,” she told CNN after making multiple calls to 911 for assistance.
When the fire reached her property, burning down her garage, Gail’s community sprang into action. Volunteers, many of them strangers, arrived with water hoses to douse her roof and yard, desperately trying to keep the flames at bay.
“I don’t know who all these guys are who are helping to save my house right now, but I’m very grateful,” Gail said.
Despite their valiant efforts, the unpredictable winds and relentless fire left Gail with a sobering perspective. “I’m happy that it’s standing right now, but I don’t have a lot of hope,” she admitted.
These acts of courage and kindness, whether by first responders or community volunteers, highlight the resilience and humanity of those affected by this unprecedented disaster.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles wildfire serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of nature. With over 23,000 acres burned, five lives lost, and thousands displaced, it stands as one of the most devastating in the city’s history.
Despite the devastation, the resilience of first responders and affected communities shines through. Supporting relief efforts and raising awareness about environmental factors contributing to such disasters is crucial as we move forward.
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