Southern California Wildfire Outbreak
On January 7th, 2025, a Santa Ana wind event delivering hurricane-force winds prompted critical and extreme fire weather conditions for Southern California. These strong winds fueled the ignition and rapid growth of deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles metro area.
The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and Kenneth Fire destroyed over a thousand structures and resulted in multiple deaths. Thousands of residents were evacuated away from the growing flames.
The Palisades Fire, which ignited in the LA neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, became the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.
On the morning of January 22, 2025, about two weeks after the initial fires, persisting critical fire weather conditions allowed a new wildfire to ignite north of Los Angeles. The Hughes Fire quickly spread, scorching over 10,000 acres within the first 24 hours and prompting evacuations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The Hughes Fire was declared 100% contained on January 30, 2025, having burnt 10,425 acres. The next day on January 31, 2025, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire were declared 100% contained, having burnt 23,7070 acres and 14,021 acres respectfully.
For more information on the LA wildfires, visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Satellite imagery of this event:
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