In the past two weeks, Los Angeles County has been ravaged by devastating wildfires, fueled by the fierce Santa Ana winds. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, lives lost, and entire communities displaced. As firefighters battle the flames, residents are left wondering—what comes next?
With 28 confirmed deaths and over 15,000 structures reduced to ashes, these fires mark one of the most destructive wildfire events in recent history. This article provides a detailed timeline of two major wildfires—the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire—highlighting their rapid spread, the heroic efforts of firefighters, and the ongoing struggle to contain the blazes.
Timeline of the Wildfires
Tuesday Morning: The Palisades Fire Begins
- A thick plume of smoke appeared over Malibu as the Palisades Fire ignited southeast of Palisades Drive.
- At 11:06 a.m., the fire had already consumed 10 acres.
- By noon, traffic gridlock formed on Sunset Boulevard as residents desperately tried to evacuate.
- Within 90 minutes, the fire grew to 200 acres, engulfing homes and vehicles.
- Firefighters issued evacuation orders for residents from the fire zone down to Pacific Coast Highway.
- A shelter was established at Westwood Recreation Center, with additional evacuation warnings issued for nearby areas.
- By 3:30 p.m., the Palisades Fire had exploded to 1,262 acres.
Tuesday Afternoon: The Eaton Fire Erupts
- As firefighters battled the Palisades Fire, another fire—the Eaton Fire—ignited in Altadena and Pasadena.
- Residents, including those in nursing homes, rushed to escape, some on foot, as strong winds fueled the fire.
- Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire continued to burn along the coast, with wind speeds reaching 80 mph.
- As state and federal teams arrived, firefighters fought to contain two massive fires simultaneously.
- A third fire, the Hurst Fire, emerged in Sylmar, San Fernando Valley, adding to the chaos.
- As night fell, firefighters struggled against worsening wind conditions, making containment efforts difficult.
Wednesday Morning: Fires Continue to Spread
- By sunrise, the Palisades Fire had doubled in size to 2,921 acres.
- The Eaton Fire had grown to 2,227 acres, forcing more residents to flee.
- Schools across Pasadena Unified School District closed due to the fire threat.
- Within just four hours, the Eaton Fire expanded fivefold, reaching 10,600 acres and devastating entire residential communities.
- Authorities issued a Red Flag Warning, urging residents to stay alert as strong winds continued to fuel the flames.
Wednesday Afternoon: Fires Reach Catastrophic Levels
- The Palisades Fire had burned 15,832 acres, destroying over 300 structures, with 13,000 more at risk.
- 836 firefighters and seven helicopters fought tirelessly under extreme conditions.
- The first civilian deaths were reported, and the death toll continued to rise in the following days.
- A “Do Not Drink Your Water” advisory was issued for areas serviced by Pasadena Water and Power.
Wednesday Night: Fires Continue to Grow
- Just before midnight, the Palisades Fire expanded to 17,234 acres.
- Firefighting teams from across California arrived to assist.
- Residents faced uncertainty and displacement, with schools closed and emergency shelters at full capacity.
Two Weeks Later: Current Status of the Fires
- As of January 24, 2025:
- The Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres and is 77% contained.
- The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres and is 95% contained.
- Together, these two fires have scorched nearly 40,000 acres, leaving thousands of families homeless.
- Nine other wildfires continue to burn across California, further straining emergency response teams.
Why Are These Wildfires So Destructive?
Southern California is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, following months of dry weather. The Santa Ana winds, combined with dry brush, create the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly.
Under a Red Flag Warning, strong winds can carry burning embers for miles, igniting new fires ahead of the main blaze. This makes containment efforts extremely difficult for firefighters.
The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?
- Continued Firefighting Efforts: Crews remain on high alert as they work to fully extinguish the fires.
- Recovery and Rebuilding: Many displaced residents face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
- Environmental Concerns: Burnt landscapes could lead to mudslides and erosion when the rainy season begins.
- Increased Fire Prevention Measures: Officials are urging stricter fire safety laws and improved emergency response strategies.
As California continues to battle wildfires, climate change, drought, and urban expansion contribute to an ongoing wildfire crisis. With over 800 acres still burning, firefighters are determined to bring these devastating fires under control.
