Wildfires, evacuations across California’s Los Angeles: What we know

Wed Jan 08 16:34:04 UTC 2025: ## Devastating Wildfires Rage Across Los Angeles, Leaving Five Dead

**Los Angeles, CA** – A series of wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana winds have ravaged the Los Angeles area, leaving five people dead and causing widespread destruction. The blazes, which began Tuesday, have consumed over 27,000 acres and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

The largest fires, dubbed the Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton fires, have caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in affluent neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and areas near Pasadena. Approximately 1,000 structures have been destroyed in the Pacific Palisades alone, and damage has been reported to the Getty Villa Museum (though the collection remains safe) and several other landmarks, including a McDonald’s restaurant and a temple. Celebrity James Woods also reported damage to his home.

The rapid spread of the fires has been attributed to unusually dry conditions following an exceptionally wet season, creating abundant fuel for the strong Santa Ana winds. Meteorologists warn that the windstorm, which could reach gusts of up to 100 mph, is expected to worsen before subsiding. A red flag warning, indicating extremely dangerous fire conditions, has been issued for 19 million people in Southern California.

The intense conditions have led to widespread power outages affecting nearly 1.5 million people across California, including significant outages in Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties. Schools have been closed, and several Hollywood events, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination announcement, have been cancelled.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and deployed over 1,400 firefighters to battle the blazes. President Biden has approved federal assistance. Emergency shelters have been opened for evacuees, and officials urge residents to heed evacuation orders and stay informed. Hospitals are reporting a surge in patients suffering from smoke inhalation. The situation remains critical, and officials warn that the worst may be yet to come.