WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025, AS OF 1:00 PM ET
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), as of Wednesday, January 8, four active fires are impacting the greater Los Angeles area in Southern California. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and Woodley Fire have collectively burned over 5,700 acres across Los Angeles County in a 24-hour period. As of 10:00 am Eastern Time (ET) Wednesday morning, the fires are zero percent contained. Intense Santa Ana winds fuel the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires in the Los Angeles area, where gust speeds of up to 100 miles per hour (mph) have been measured from Monday, January 6, to Wednesday, January 8. CAL FIRE reports that extreme fire behavior exhibited among all four fires, including short- and long-range spotting and low humidity, has heightened the potential for rapid expansion.
As of 11:00 am ET on Wednesday, January 8, the fires have resulted in at least two fatalities and a significant number of injuries, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFC) Chief. The flames are also prompting cascading impacts well outside the red flag warning zones, with nearly 378,000 customers across California experiencing power outages as of Wednesday, January 8, according to PowerOutage.us.
Fire Weather and Extreme Wind will be at peak levels starting tonight January 7th through Wednesday morning. Visit https://t.co/uTJxumzs0i for the most up to date information. pic.twitter.com/b4UKftBIAN
— California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) January 8, 2025
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES): X
The Palisades Fire is currently the largest of four active fires in Los Angeles County, having burned 2,925 acres as of early Wednesday morning. The fire began Tuesday morning, January 7, along Piedra Morada Drive in the Pacific Palisades community. While firefighters are working to contain the blaze, extreme wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph have furthered fire activity and hindered suppression efforts. According to CAL FIRE, the Hurst Fire is another rapidly spreading fire that is creating dangerous conditions for the impacted communities in the Sylmar area. The Hurst Fire was first reported on Tuesday, January 7, and has burned over 500 acres as of Wednesday morning. The Eaton Fire, which has burned an estimated 400 acres, also ignited on Tuesday and is impacting several areas, including Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre. The latest fire to erupt in Los Angeles County is the Woodley Fire, which has grown to approximately 75 acres since igniting Wednesday morning, January 8, in the Sepulveda Basin community.
Additionally, firefighters are responding to the Tyler Fire in Coachella, California, a vegetation fire roughly 50 miles east of Los Angeles County. According to the latest situation summary from CAL FIRE, the Tyler Fire has burned 11 acres and destroyed two structures. As of January 8, the fire’s forward process has been stopped and currently sits at 50 percent containment.
Local Crews Deployed:
Tonight, a @Cal_OES Strike Team consisting of members from @CosumnesFire, @metrofirepio and Sacramento Fire were deployed to the Palisades Fire. This team consists of 22 members that will drive through the night to provide assistance battling this fire. pic.twitter.com/1IHSx4Fg98
— Sacramento Fire Department (@SacFirePIO) January 8, 2025
Sacramento Fire Department: X
On Tuesday, January 7, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to expedite the mobilization of resources and further support communities as they respond to the wildfires. Additionally, Governor Newsom announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved several Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to help the State ensure the availability of vital fire suppression resources.
Hagerty’s Executive Chairman and former FEMA administrator, Brock Long, joined FOX News on January 8 to share his insights. When reflecting on the ongoing response and evacuation efforts, Brock states, “This is a dynamic event that requires constant monitoring. If the [Santa Ana] winds don’t die down until Friday, you may see other fires spring up and push to heavily populated areas along the coast. You can’t replace people’s lives, but you can replace housing and infrastructure over time. The message is that people have to stay vigilant and constantly monitor the watches and warnings and get out of these areas proactively when called to do so.”
Evacuating From Wildfires: NWS
Wildfires can occur anywhere in the country at any time, spreading quickly and unpredictably. FEMA urges individuals and communities to take preventive measures with protecting their property and loved ones in the event of a wildfire emergency.
- Set up real-time, local alerts in the FEMA app and determine other ways that you can receive time-sensitive notifications to keep you safe.
- Make (and practice!) an emergency plan to include how to quickly access your disaster supplies kit, the safest evacuation routes, and the needs of pets under your care.
- Take time to review, update, and ensure safe storage of important documentation related to your household’s or business’ financial, legal, insurance, medical, and other personal information.
To stay safe during a wildfire, pay close attention to emergency alerts and notifications, evacuating immediately if instructed by authorities. To protect against smoke inhalation, use N95 masks and block air vents if evacuating by vehicle through smokey or fire conditions.
Hagerty will continue to provide guidance on making effective preparations for long-term recovery and continuing our situational updates.
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