New round of evacuation orders lifted as LA mayor names chief recovery officer

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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 27 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 burning in Southern California.

The Palisades Fire, burning in the Pacific Palisades, and the Eaton Fire, burning in Altadena, have forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed more than 12,000 structures.

KABC logo
Jan 17, 2025, 5:42 PM

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
  • 31% containment
  • 10 deaths
  • 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

  • 14,117 acres
  • 65% contained
  • Approximately 7,081 structures believed to be damaged or destroyed (structures includes vehicles)
  • 17 deaths
  • 5 firefighter injuries

Hurst Fire in Sylmar

  • 799 acres
  • 100% contained

Auto Fire

  • 61 acres
  • 85% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Meghan and Harry help hand out food to evacuees in Pasadena

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Friday visited the Pasadena Convention Center to help hand out food to evacuees.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live about 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area, also listed organizations supporting fire victims on their website.

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, second from left, speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, right, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Altadena.
Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, second from left, speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, right, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Altadena.

Firefighters on Friday afternoon had made progress for the first time on the Eaton Fire, which has burned more than 7,000 structures. Officials said most evacuation orders for the area were lifted.

California National Guard troops arrived on the streets of Altadena before dawn to help protect property in the fire evacuation zone, and evening curfews were in effect to prevent looting after several earlier arrests.

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Palisades Fire has met effective containment lines, water drops successful

The Palisades Fire has met effective containment lines and water drops have been successful.

Slower winds and air attack have stalled the progress on the north side as crews continue to work to put out hot spots before the next wind event.

The flare up remains active west of Mandeville Canyon Road.

KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Goats seen evacuating in Brentwood due to Palisades Fire

As the Palisades Fire moved toward the 405 and forced new evacuations Friday night, video from a news photographer shows goats evacuated the community of Mountaingate.

As the Palisades Fire moved toward the 405 and forced new evacuations, video shows goats evacuated the community of Mountaingate.
KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Palisades Fire visible from the San Fernando Valley

The Palisades Fire continues to burn and is now visible from the San Fernando Valley.

ABC7 has received multiple calls from residents concerned that this is a new fire, but it is actually the Palisades Fire.

Parts of Encino are currently under a mandatory evacuation order.