The Wildfires That Are Devastating California: Everything You Need to Know

As of January 11th, 2025, an uncontained firestorm in L.A. has resulted in 16 deaths, over 200,000 evacuation orders, over 12,300 structures destroyed, and over 38,000 acres of land burned in Southern California. Here's the latest.

What do we know about the wildfires?

The origins of the fires are unknown. However, the extreme Santa Ana winds made the fires increasingly larger. This windy weather began at the beginning of the week, fanning the flames and making them spread faster.

This led to uncontained burning, particularly in areas with large amounts of brush. The smoke from the fires has traveled to areas unaffected by the fires, polluting the air quality.

Because of the fires, many are under mandatory evacuation orders. LAUSD, as well as other private districts, have canceled school for the rest of the week, expressing not just concerns for the wildfires, but also of the smoke that came from it. Inspections would be needed to make sure schools are safe to return to.

Courtesy of Elise Gallup

Quick Summary Of Each Fire

Palisades Fire

• The most destructive fire in Los Angeles history
• Burned over 23,000 acres of land
• 11% has been contained
• Started January 7th, 2025
• Three schools were significantly damaged: Marquez Elementary School, Palisades Charter Elementary School, and Palisades Charter High School
• Historical landmarks like Will Rogers's house was destroyed

Eaton Fire

• The second-most destructive fire in Los Angeles history
• Burned over 14,100 acres of land
• 15% has been contained
• Started January 7th, 2025
• Loma Alta Elementary School, Noyes Elementary School, St. Mark's Elementary School, and Edison Elementary School all have been affected by the fire
• Located in Altadena

Hurst Fire

• Started January 7th, 2025
• Burned over 799 acres of land
• 76% has been contained

Courtesy of Trisha Bhasin

Sunset Fire

• Started January 8th, 2025
• Located in the Hollywood Hills
• Fully contained - the flames have been put out

Lidia Fire

• Started on January 8th, 2025
• Burned over 395 acres of land
• Fully contained - the flames have been put out
• Located in Ravenna

Kenneth Fire

• Started on January 8th, 2025
• Burned over 1,000 acres
• 80% contained
• Located in West Hills

Courtesy of Elise Gallup

Other small fires include the Olivias, Tyler, and Archer fires, which have been extinguished.

Conclusion

If you are living in Los Angeles, be aware: because of the smoke, the air may be unsafe to breathe. Additionally, the water quality might be affected because of the fires, so drink from bottled and filtered water as a precaution.

Luckily, most of the fires are being contained. However, it is always wise to take precautions. Stay safe, and make sure to look out for any warnings and evacuation orders.