LOS ANGELES — Several wildfires have caused unprecedented damage across various communities in Los Angeles County. While thousands of firefighters and first responders work tirelessly to contain the fire and keep communities safe as mass evacuations roll out, the situation continues to evolve minute by minute. President-elect Donald Trump, as well as several media outlets and eyewitnesses in the area, have called the fires “apocalyptic,” underscoring the catastrophic nature of the disaster.
Below, find the latest developments about the Los Angeles wildfire emergency, which has been officially deemed a federal disaster.
Los Angeles wildfire updates
Fire status as of Thursday, Jan. 9, 8:05 a.m.
Palisades Fire
- Location: Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas
- Size: Over 17,200 acres burned
- Containment: 0% contained
Eaton Fire
- Location: Near Pasadena
- Size: Over 10,600 acres burned
- Containment: 0% contained
Hurst Fire
- Location: Sylmar area
- Size: 855 acres burned
- Containment: 10% contained
Sunset Fire
- Location: Hollywood Hills
- Size: 43 acres
- 0% containment
How many firefighters are working the Los Angeles wildfires?
Approximately 836 personnel are actively engaged in battling the Palisades Fire, more than 700 firefighters are working the Eaton Fire, and 300 are working the Hurst Fire. It is unclear at this time how many firefighters are battling the Sunset Fire.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed more than 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel to protect affected communities.
How many deaths are attributed to the LA wildfires?
At least five people have died in the Los Angeles wildfires.
What is the estimation of economic loss associated with the LA wildfires?
Preliminary estimates from AccuWeather suggest that the damage could range between $52 billion and $57 billion, potentially making this the costliest wildfire event in U.S. history.
In addition to the overall economic impact, insured losses are projected to be substantial. JPMorgan estimates that insurance industry losses from the ongoing Los Angeles fires could approach $10 billion. Major insurers like Allstate, Travelers, and Chubb are expected to bear the brunt of these claims, particularly in homeowners insurance.
These figures encompass a wide range of economic repercussions, including property destruction, business interruptions, healthcare costs due to smoke-related illnesses, and the extensive resources allocated to firefighting efforts. The full economic impact will become clearer as assessments continue and the fires are brought under control.
What caused the LA wildfires to spread so rapidly?
The rapid spread of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles in January 2025 can be attributed to several factors:
- Powerful Santa Ana winds: The region was impacted by an unusually intense Santa Ana wind event, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph. These dry, warm winds not only desiccated the environment further but also propelled the fire rapidly across the landscape, spreading embers over considerable distances and igniting new fires ahead of the main blaze.
- Severe drought conditions: Southern California experienced an exceptionally dry period leading up to the fire, with some areas recording the driest nine-month span on record. This prolonged drought resulted in extremely parched vegetation, creating an abundance of highly flammable fuel for the wildfire.
- Abundant dry vegetation: Previous wet seasons had led to significant vegetation growth. However, the subsequent lack of rainfall turned this lush growth into dry, combustible material, providing ample fuel for the wildfire.
The situation remains dynamic, with strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions complicating containment efforts. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels for the latest information on firefighting efforts and safety measures.
When do fire officials expect firefighters will contain the Los Angeles fires?
Officials have not provided a specific timeline for when the fire is expected to be contained. Containment efforts are ongoing, with over 1,400 firefighters deployed to combat the blaze.
Residents in affected areas are advised to follow evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels for the latest information on containment efforts and safety measures.
Additional information
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