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

Dodgers star Freddie Freeman donates $300,000 for wildfire relief efforts

Dodgers' star Freddie Freeman and his wife are donating thousands to help those impacted by the wildfires.

According to ESPN baseball columnist Jeff Passan, the couple is donating $300,000 to relief efforts, which includes $100,000 for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, $100,000 for the Pasadena Fire Department and $100,000 for the Salvation Army.

Chelsea Freeman also shared in an Instagram story that she was matching donations to Pasadena Humane, according to the MLB.

Liz Nagy Image
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

FBI working to piece together drone that damaged super scooper

The FBI released new photos of a damaged water-dropping super scooper firefighting aircraft that collided with a drone over the Palisades Fire.

According to officials, the plane collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it. The drone put a 3x6 hole in the aircraft, causing a 20- to 30-minute delay in the aerial firefight.

According to officials, the plane collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it.
KABC logo
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Bottled water distribution center to open for Pasadena, Altadena residents

A distribution center will open Sunday for Pasadena and Altadena residents looking for bottled water.

According to a post on the City of Pasadena's X account, the center is located at 450 N. Lake Ave. and will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It's operated by the City of Pasadena in partnership with LA County Public Works.

Chris Cristi Image
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

Crews make positive progress in battle against Palisades Fire

After five days of one of the most intense firefights in Los Angeles history, crews have made positive progress against the Palisades Fire.

Video from AIR7 showed hotspots glowing in the hillside just above Mandeville Canyon, but no evident flare up nor smoke.

The Palisades Fire has burned 23,654 acres. At least five people have died in relation to this fire.

Video from AIR7 showed the progress made by fire crews who are actively fighting the Palisades Fire.