Los Angeles officials pleaded with residents to heed evacuation orders Wednesday as strong winds continued to fan the flames of the deadly and destructive wildfires around the county.
Two fatalities were reported in the Eaton Fire, which had spread over more than 2,200 acres and was producing unhealthy to hazardous air quality, according to forecasters.
Wildfires had also resulted in significant injuries, although it was not immediately clear how many people had been hurt. A 25-year-old female firefighter was among them, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott.
The wildfires have resulted in the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, including more than 30,000 residents in Pacific Palisades. Some residents included celebrities, such as actors James Woods and Cary Elwes.
Dangerous wind conditions were not expected to let up until the end of the week. California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency, and the state’s National Guard was working to aid firefighters.
“This is not a normal Red Flag,” Kevin McGowan, the Director of the L.A. County Office of Emergency Management, said.
These are the mandatory evacuations for the Hurst Fire
Julia Musto8 January 2025 18:08
First images show aftermath of Palisades Fire
Julia Musto8 January 2025 18:06
These are the evacuation centers for the Palisades and Eaton Fires
Julia Musto8 January 2025 18:00
LA wildfires mapped: Palisades and Eaton blazes now cover more than 5,000 acres
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:53
Malibu actives Emergency Operations Center as winds up to 80mph whip
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:49
Los Angeles County Fire Chief says they don’t have enough fire personnel
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:45
Here’s the latest on the Eaton Fire
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:27
‘Unprecedented’ weather conditions are ‘unpredictable,’ officials caution
The “unprecedented” weather conditions in the region are also “unpredictable,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell warned.
“As the fire continues to spread and pop up in different locations, none of us know where the next one is going to be,” he said. “Because with these winds, once it starts small, it will be very big very quickly.”
Wind conditions and poor visibility have hampered firefighting efforts.
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:25
Caltech closes Pasadena campus
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:22
Biden receives briefing on Palisades wildfire
This morning, President Joe Biden received a briefing from his team on the latest developments of the Palisades wildfire.
The White House said he would also be briefed by Cal Fire officials at a Santa Monica Fire Station before he and First Lady Jill Biden leave Los Angeles.
Julia Musto8 January 2025 17:21
