At least five people have died in Los Angeles County as destructive fires ravage the region. Officials warn the death toll may rise.
Polluted air and unsafe water add to the hazardous conditions threatening many residents across the area.
The fires have devastated Los Angeles, marking the most destructive event in its history. Over 1,000 structures have burned, and 130,000 people are under evacuation orders or warnings. Additionally, power outages affect more than 200,000 homes and buildings.
The Palisades Fire remains the largest blaze, scorching over 17,200 acres between Malibu and Santa Monica with no containment.
In Altadena, the Eaton Fire has consumed 10,600 acres and continues to spread unchecked. The Hurst Fire, covering 855 acres, is 10% contained, while the Lidia Fire, at 348 acres, is 40% contained. Meanwhile, the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills has burned 60 acres, prompting evacuation orders. The Woodley Fire has been fully contained after burning 30 acres.
Extreme weather conditions have fueled these wildfires, with strong winds and low humidity worsening the situation. Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin emphasized that fast-moving embers and intense winds contributed to the rapid spread. Though winds weakened slightly on Wednesday, they still challenged firefighters. The cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation, but experts cite climate change as a factor intensifying wildfires.
Critical fire weather is expected to persist through Friday across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Although a brief reduction in wind gusts is forecast for this morning, the National Weather Service predicts winds will strengthen later in the day. Red flag warnings currently affect over 10 million residents.
The Palisades Fire alone is anticipated to become the costliest wildfire in history, according to climate scientist Daniel Swain. This event also marks the most destructive wildfire to occur in January within California’s history.
January wildfires of this scale are unusual in California, yet five fires have erupted in Los Angeles County since Tuesday. Combined, these fires have already scorched nearly 16,000 acres, setting an alarming precedent for future seasons.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blazes, many enduring 36-hour and 48-hour shifts. Over 7,500 personnel, including emergency workers and support teams, are actively involved. Nevada has dispatched firefighting resources to assist, and the California National Guard has deployed troops to bolster efforts.
In Pasadena, water quality has emerged as a significant concern. Officials issued an alert warning residents in areas impacted by the Eaton Fire about unsafe drinking water. The Pasadena Water and Power system may be compromised due to debris and elevated turbidity. Authorities recommend using bottled water for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, and pet care.
Smoke and ash from the fires have drastically lowered air quality across the region. Air quality alerts remain in effect for several areas, including Downtown Los Angeles.
In Altadena, the air quality index reached 426, surpassing the worst pollution levels recently recorded in New Delhi, a city infamous for poor air quality.
The fires have also disrupted education, with all Los Angeles Unified School District schools closed today. A decision regarding Friday operations will be announced by 4:00 p.m. PT. Schools in Pasadena will remain closed for the rest of the week. In the Palisades area, two schools have been completely destroyed by the flames.
As Los Angeles County battles these catastrophic wildfires, residents face a confluence of crises. Emergency workers, local officials, and communities are striving to manage the devastation while preparing for continued challenges in the days ahead.