The largest wildfire raging in Los Angeles this week shifted direction on Saturday, prompting fresh evacuation orders.
Six wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles County since Tuesday, killing 11 people and damaging or destroying 10,000 structures.
Firefighters warned the toll could rise as house-to-house searches resume in fire-ravaged neighborhoods.
Santa Ana winds, which fanned the flames, eased Friday night. But the Palisades Fire, burning on the city's western edge, began moving toward Brentwood and the San Fernando Valley foothills, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to the northeast,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott told KTLA, according to the Times.
Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire as it burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 8, 2025.
Reuters
The fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles history, has reduced entire neighborhoods to smoldering ruins.
Firefighters had made progress before the latest flare-up. Cal Fire reported the Palisades Fire was 8% contained Friday night, while the nearby Eaton Fire was 3% contained.
Combined, the two fires have consumed 35,000 acres, an area twice the size of Manhattan.
Mass evacuations continue
About 153,000 people remain under evacuation orders, while another 166,800 are under evacuation warnings, officials said.
Seven neighboring states, federal agencies, and Canada have sent resources to assist. Aerial teams are dropping water and retardant, while ground crews dig fire lines with hand tools and hoses.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast improving conditions this weekend, with sustained winds slowing to 20 mph and gusts at 35–50 mph.
A firefighter sprays water in a burned house following the Palisades Fire at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 10, 2025. Reuters
“It’s not as gusty, so that should help firefighters,” said NWS meteorologist Allison Santorelli.
Despite this, officials warned the region remains critical due to low humidity and dry vegetation, with strong winds expected to return by Tuesday.
“There will continue to be a high likelihood of critical fire weather conditions through next week,” Cal Fire said.
Thick, toxic smoke has prompted officials to declare a public health emergency.
Neighborhoods reduced to ashes
Residents returning to Pacific Palisades on Friday found brick chimneys standing amid charred debris and burned-out vehicles.
“This was a house that was loved,” said Kelly Foster, 44, as she sifted through rubble.
Her 16-year-old daughter, Ada, said the scene was overwhelming. “I just became sick. I just couldn’t even... Yeah, it’s hard.”
In Rick McGeagh’s Palisades neighborhood, only six of 60 homes survived. All that remains of his ranch house is a statue of the Virgin Mary.
“Everything else is ash and rubble,” said McGeagh, 61, a real estate broker.
In Pasadena, hundreds gathered near the Rose Bowl on Friday for donated clothing, diapers, and bottled water.
Denise Doss, 63, whose home in Altadena was destroyed, said she hopes to retrieve belongings but was denied entry.
“At least to say goodbye until we can rebuild. I will let God lead me,” she said.
Economic and health impact
Beyond those who lost homes, tens of thousands remain without power, and millions face hazardous air from burned materials.
AccuWeather estimated damages and economic losses at $135–$150 billion, signaling a long recovery ahead.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urged insurers to halt non-renewals and extend payment grace periods.
President Joe Biden declared the fires a major disaster, pledging federal reimbursement for 100% of recovery costs over the next six months.
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