At least 30,000 residents in Southern California were forced to evacuate due to multiple devastating wildfires that have destroyed thousands of acres in the area.
The first fire reportedly started in the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday around 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Strong, destructive winds and other unfavorable conditions caused the blaze to expand to 2,921 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Even more concerning was the department’s reporting of zero containment of the Palisades Fire as of early Wednesday morning.
Critical Fire Weather Alert:
Southern California is facing a #CriticalFireWeather event through Thursday, with strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity creating extreme wildfire risks. One fire, the #PalisadesFire, has already ignited and is being driven by these high winds.… pic.twitter.com/LnUrJiDkWG
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 7, 2025
Two other wildfires, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire, broke out later Tuesday evening. The Eaton Fire was reported Tuesday at 6:23 p.m. near Pasadena, California, according to CalFire. The Hurst Fire reportedly began at 10:29 p.m. near Sylmar, California. Over 1,100 acres combined have burned due to both fires, and neither was reported to have any containment as of early Wednesday morning.
Strong winds and low humidity in the areas contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfires and the inability to contain them, CBS News reported. The conditions are expected to worsen and last into Thursday, CalFire said in a post on X. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the fires on Tuesday.
“California has deployed 1400+ firefighting personnel & hundreds of prepositioned assets to combat these unprecedented fires in LA,” Newsom posted on X. “Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives.”
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris released statements regarding the California fires.
“I am being frequently briefed on the wildfires in west Los Angeles,” Biden said. “My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire. Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response.”
Biden also urged residents to heed warnings from local officials.
“My heart goes out to all those being impacted by the devasting wildfires in Southern California,” Harris said. “Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way. We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe.”
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The vice president also encouraged residents in the blaze area to listen to local officials and evacuate if necessary. She echoed the president’s sentiments about providing federal support and said, “no community has to respond to this disaster alone.”
“As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities,” Harris said. “I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials.”
