California is facing an unprecedented wildfire crisis, with 92 active wildfires scorching more than 29,000 acres across the state. Among the most devastating are the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County, which have left a trail of destruction officials are calling historic.

With 13,926 emergency responses underway and at least five confirmed fatalities, the fires have overwhelmed firefighting crews and displaced thousands of residents.

Unprecedented Destruction in Los Angeles County

Officials estimate that more than 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires alone. Using aerial infrared technology, emergency responders determined that the Palisades Fire has obliterated approximately 5,300 homes, businesses, and other buildings, while the Eaton Fire has damaged or destroyed an additional 4,000–5,000 structures in the Altadena area. These preliminary figures make this wildfire storm one of the worst in Los Angeles history in terms of property damage.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley described the Palisades Fire as “one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.” Adding to the grim outlook, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain noted that the Palisades Fire alone has the potential to become one of the costliest wildfire disasters in U.S. history.

Fatalities and Rising Risks

At least five people have died in the fires, with the majority of deaths linked to the Eaton Fire. On Thursday, the first fatality connected to the Palisades Fire was confirmed — a Malibu resident whose identity has not yet been released.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that we have lost a member of the Malibu community during the Palisades fire,” said Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. “Our community grieves with you in this moment of unimaginable loss.”

Officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as investigations continue. Dangerous conditions in the fire zones have slowed efforts to locate and count fatalities, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

As of Thursday afternoon, both the Palisades and Eaton fires remain at 0% containment. The Palisades Fire has burned nearly 20,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire expanded by 3,000 acres on Thursday to reach 13,690 acres. Crews battling the Palisades Fire faced 60-mph winds overnight, but officials expressed hope that calmer conditions during the day would help improve containment efforts.

However, the reprieve may be short-lived. Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect winds to strengthen again Thursday night, posing additional challenges for firefighters. A red flag warning remains in effect for much of Los Angeles County, with critical fire weather predicted through Friday night.

Out-of-state resources have begun arriving in California to assist local crews. Despite their efforts, the sheer scale of the fires has strained resources, with emergency officials emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as conditions remain volatile.

New Fires Add to the Crisis

As the Palisades and Eaton fires dominate attention, other fires across the region are compounding the crisis. The Hurst Fire, burning in Sylmar, has charred 855 acres and was 10% contained as of Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Sunset Fire, which broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, has burned 60 acres but is now under control after firefighters made significant progress using aerial water drops.

Additional fires have been reported, including the Kenneth Fire near the Los Angeles-Ventura County border and a small blaze in the Angeles National Forest linked to an overturned vehicle. While these fires remain relatively small, they highlight the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders as they work to protect communities across the region.

Evacuations and Public Safety Concerns

The fires have forced thousands of residents across Los Angeles County to evacuate, with many still unable to return to their homes. On Thursday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced plans to implement a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The curfew is aimed at deterring looting, which has already led to the arrest of more than 20 individuals in evacuation zones.

“We’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity,” Luna said. He also confirmed that the California National Guard has been requested to assist with traffic control, infrastructure protection, and preventing further looting in the hardest-hit areas.

In addition to the curfew, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as fire conditions continue to pose risks. Thousands remain under evacuation orders, with emergency crews emphasizing that returning to affected areas too soon could be life-threatening.

Weather and Fire Risk Outlook

Weather conditions have provided some relief, with winds weakening Thursday morning. However, meteorologists warn that this reprieve will be short-lived, with wind gusts expected to pick up again by Thursday night. The National Weather Service has downgraded the fire weather outlook from “extremely critical” to “critical,” but low humidity and the absence of rain in the forecast mean the fire risk remains significant.

“This is absolutely an unprecedented, historic firestorm,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain echoed these concerns, warning that Los Angeles residents should prepare for a series of high-wind events over the coming days, which could exacerbate the already dire situation.

“This has the potential to be, at least collectively, the costliest wildfire disaster in American history,” Swain said.

Importantly, the NWS issued key alerts before the Southern California fires began, amplifying the importance that residents heed their warnings.

Community Resilience Amid Tragedy

Despite the overwhelming challenges, there have been small victories. Firefighters have managed to contain some of the smaller fires, including the Sunset Fire near Runyon Canyon, which initially triggered mandatory evacuations but is now under control. Crews were also able to stop a house fire in Studio City from spreading, preventing what could have been another significant disaster.

Out-of-state resources, including additional firefighting crews and equipment, are streaming into California to support local efforts. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to contain the fires and assist those affected, while local leaders are calling on residents to remain strong and vigilant.

Moving Forward: A Call for Preparedness

As the fires rage on, officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions and remain informed. With wind events expected to continue through next week and no rain in the forecast, the risk of additional fires remains high. Red flag warnings will likely remain in effect for much of the region, underscoring the critical need for preparedness.

Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to stay connected with emergency updates, follow evacuation orders, and report suspicious activity in evacuation zones to authorities.

You can check our regional CA forecasts to learn about conditions in nearby regions:

• Anaheim, CA: Weather and air quality forecasts
• Long Beach, CA: Weather and air quality forecasts

Closing Thoughts

The destruction caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires has already cemented their place in history as some of Los Angeles County’s most devastating wildfires. With over 9,000 structures damaged or destroyed and a rising death toll, the road to recovery will be long. However, the resilience of the community, combined with the tireless efforts of firefighters and emergency responders, offers hope amid the devastation.

As Mayor Karen Bass stated, “We are all hands on deck.” For now, the priority remains fighting the flames, protecting lives, and supporting those affected by this historic disaster.