Wildfires devastate Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County faces a wildfire crisis as massive wind-driven fires kill two, destroy over 1,000 structures, and force tens of thousands to evacuate. Stay updated on the latest fire weather warnings and evacuation efforts.
Los Angeles, CA – Southern California is grappling with a catastrophic wildfire emergency as wind-driven fires devastate Los Angeles County, leaving two dead and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. The National Weather Service (NWS), CalFire, and CNN have provided critical updates, painting a dire picture of the unfolding crisis.
Thousands Under Evacuation Orders
Massive fires, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, have ignited across Los Angeles County, creating a "Particularly Dangerous Situation," according to the NWS. Wind gusts of up to 80 mph, combined with single-digit humidity and extremely dry conditions, are driving the rapid spread of flames. These fires have killed at least two civilians and left others with "significant injuries." Emergency responders report that the fires are 0% contained, and tens of thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders.
Most Destructive Fire in County History
Among the most devastating is the Palisades Fire, which has destroyed over 1,000 structures in the coastal area between Malibu and Santa Monica. This makes it the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County history, per CalFire data. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, raging in Altadena, has ballooned to more than 10,000 acres and now threatens approximately 13,000 buildings.
CalFire reports that as of Wednesday morning, wildfires across the state have burned nearly 27,000 acres, with Southern California bearing the brunt of the devastation.
Emergency Services Overwhelmed
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is stretched to its limits. "We were prepared for one or two major brush fires, but not four," said the county’s fire chief. Resources are critically low, with insufficient personnel to manage all active blazes. Intense winds have also temporarily grounded firefighting aircraft, while fire hydrants ran dry overnight in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, further hampering efforts to contain the fires.
Extreme Fire Weather Conditions Persist
The NWS continues to warn of extreme fire weather in the region, with a Red Flag Warning in effect through Thursday. The Santa Ana Wind Corridor, encompassing Los Angeles and Ventura counties, is facing "very rapid fire spread" and "life-threatening fire behavior." Poor overnight humidity recovery and severe winds are expected to exacerbate the situation in the coming days.
Residents are urged to use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources and stay updated on evacuation orders. The NWS advises following all instructions from emergency officials and remaining alert to changes in fire behavior.
What You Can Do
Local officials stress the importance of preparedness and vigilance. If you live in an affected area:
- Follow evacuation orders promptly.
- Avoid activities that could spark new fires.
- Stay updated through official channels, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the NWS.
You can also check our regional CA forecasts to learn about conditions in nearby regions:
As emergency responders battle to control the flames, Southern California remains under significant threat. The combination of record-breaking fire destruction, relentless winds, and overstretched resources underscores the urgency of immediate action and heightened awareness.
