January 9, 2025
We hit it hard and fast and Mother Nature was a little nicer to us today than she was yesterday.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott regarding the progress on the Sunset Fire in LA. While at least three wildfires continue to burn, officials were able to slow down a new fire that sparked in Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night.
Why It Matters: The current wildfires in Southern California, including the Eaton, Hurst and Palisades fires, have caused evacuation orders for at least 130,000 residents. At least five people have died. The fires come amid a dry winter in the LA area, made worse by the Santa Ana hurricane-level winds that cause embers to jump and cause quick growth of flames. The National Weather Service has issued a warning that winds will last through Friday for LA and will increase Thursday and Friday for the San Diego area.
Officials deemed the uncontained Pacific Palisades Fire the most destructive fire in Los Angeles County history. Firefighters continue to battle the fires, with most of the county under a red flag warning through Friday night. “We are absolutely not out of danger yet,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley.
Read More: For info on all current wildfires, see CAL FIRE
LIVE UPDATES from The Los Angeles Times
Firefighters battle devastating Los Angeles wildfires as winds calm somewhat (The Associated Press)
Image Credit: Los Angeles County Fire Department
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
