California fires updates: Death toll in Los Angeles fires rises to 24

Thousands of firefighters are battling the sprawling wildfires across LA.

ByJon Haworth, Emily Shapiro, Nadine El-Bawab, Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira, David Brennan, and Bill Hutchinson
Last Updated: January 12, 2025, 8:26 PM EST

At least 24 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple fires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, continue to rage across Southern California, leaving fire crews scrambling to contain the historic destruction.

Thousands of firefighters are battling several sprawling wildfires across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched nearly 24,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and is 11% contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 14,100 acres and is 27% contained. The Hurst Fire near Sylmar has burned 799 acres and is 89% contained.

About 105,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders and another 87,000 are under evacuation warnings.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 24, 2025, 2:20 pm

Tracking ongoing California wildfires

The Palisades Fire, which began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, has destroyed or damaged more than 6,000 structures. It's covered more than 23,000 acres and is at 87% containment.

The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena also began on Jan. 7 and has destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures. It's burned over 14,000 acres and is at 95% containment.

Jan 11, 2025, 5:54 PM EST

LA health official warns of air quality issues

Dr. Anish Mahajan, the chief deputy director of LA County Public Health, issued a smoke advisory for Saturday evening that he said would likely last longer.

The smoke from the fire has produced large quantities of small particles, gases and water vapor that is dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, according to Mahajan.

"It's those small particles that get into our noses and throats and cause sore throats and headaches," he said.

Mahajan warned residents to stay indoors while the advisory is in effect and said anyone who needs to work outside should wear a N95 mask.

Jan 11, 2025, 5:54 PM EST

16,000 people registered for FEMA assistance: Official

A White House official told ABC News that as of Saturday, 16,000 people have registered for FEMA assistance since President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the LA fires.

The official added that at the president's direction, the Department of Defense has made more than 1,000 beds available for displaced personnel and family in bases in the region.

The California National Guard has made 1,000 personnel available to support response efforts, including 250 people with firefighting capabilities, according to the official.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Jan 11, 2025, 5:23 PM EST

Eaton Fire 15% contained, over 14K acres burned: Officials

Officials provided an update to the wildfires Saturday afternoon and issued a stark warning as more weather dangers hit the area.

The Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,117 acres and destroyed and damaged 7,000 structures, is 15% contained, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.

Marrone warned that weather forecasts have predicted high winds from Sunday to Wednesday.

"These winds, combined with low humidity and low fuel moistures will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County high," he said.

Marrone warned that there will likely be power shut-offs during the high wind events to prevent any more fires.

"Yes, they're a challenge to deal with, but it's certainly better than having another fire start," he said.

Jan 11, 2025, 5:08 PM EST

Biden briefed on federal response to LA fires

President Joe Biden received an updated briefing on the federal response to Los Angeles fires, the White House said.

Biden also spoke by phone separately with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles, according to the White House.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

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