Return of strong winds to Los Angeles threatens area's fight against fires

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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 25 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires, 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.

Key Headlines in the last 24 hours

Here's how the news is developing.
KABC logo
Jan 15, 2025, 3:59 AM

Wildfires burning in SoCal: Numbers at a glance

Here are all the current wildfires burning in Southern California at a glance.

Palisades Fire

  • 23,713 acres
  • 18% containment
  • 9 deaths
  • 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

  • 14,117 acres
  • 35% contained
  • Approximately 7,081 structures believed to be damaged or destroyed (structures includes vehicles)
  • 16 deaths
  • 5 firefighter injuries

Hurst Fire in Sylmar

  • 799 acres
  • 97% contained

Auto Fire

  • 61 acres
  • 47% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

Sophie Flay Image
Jan 12, 2025, 6:21 PM GMT

More than 90 people evacuated from senior living center as Eaton Fire spreads rapidly

The Eaton Fire forced staff at a senior living center to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a parking lot. From there, the residents waited for ambulances to evacuate them from the area. More than 90 people were evacuated.

The Eaton Fire forced staff at a senior living center to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a parking lot. They were later evacuated from the area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

KABC logo
Jan 12, 2025, 6:21 PM GMT

Eaton Fire evacuations in place for Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre

Arcadia residents north of Orange Grove Avenue have been ordered to evacuate due to the Eaton Fire. The city established a temporary shelter at the Arcadia Community Center.

Sierra Madre police also announced areas of the city were under an evacuation order. A map of the Eaton Fire evacuations can be found here.

Parts of Altadena and Pasadena were already under a mandatory evacuation order.

City News Service contributed to this report.

KABC logo
Jan 12, 2025, 6:21 PM GMT

Wildfires force closure of schools across SoCal

Multiple school districts have decided to close all campuses due to the wildfires burning in Southern California. The following school districts are closed Wednesday:

- Asuza Unified School District
- Temple City Unified School District
- Monrovia Unified schools
- Burbank Unified School District schools and school district offices
- Arcadia Unified School District
- All Glendale Unified School District schools, childcare operations, and district offices
- Pasadena Unified School District

KABC logo
Jan 12, 2025, 6:21 PM GMT

New brush fire erupts in Sylmar, prompting mandatory evacuation orders

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued after a brush fire broke out in Sylmar that has reached the 210 Freeway.

The called Hurst Fire is burning approximately 100 acres with a rapid rate of speed.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for North of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the interstate 5/14 split. Evacuation warnings were issued for the 5 Freeway, to Woodley/ Balboa, to Lahey Street, to Zelzah Avenue. Those not in the evacuation area are asked to shelter in place.

The Los Angeles Fire Department urges residents to "pack all people and pets into [their] vehicle and leave the area immediately".