Death toll in Eaton, Palisades fires rises to 24 as crews prepare for more strong winds

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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least 24 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.
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Jan 13, 2025, 8:16 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
- 14% containment
- 8 deaths
- 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

- 14,117 acres
- 33% 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

- 95% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

- 1,052 acres

- 100% contained

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5:57 AM PST

Man who lost home brought to tears as parishioners help each other heal

In addition to homes and businesses, many churches and synagogues were destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

On the first Sunday after the deadly fire, many gathered for special services to help each other heal as one.

Mark Mariscal, who lost his home and is currently staying at the Pasadena Convention Center, spoke with ABC7 during Sunday's service and said despite his loss, he said he remains hopeful.

"This whole process of rebuilding our community ... I don't think we have to do that because Altadena is not rebuilding a community, because Altadena's community has actually just grown from this tragedy," he said. "I think that's probably one of the best messages that people are saying out there when I talk to all the different people. We have grown as a community because of this tragedy. You can't ask for more than that."

READ MORE | SoCal churches unite to bring peace and healing to wildfire victims: 'We've grown as a community'

St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena hosted two churches after many parishioners had to be relocated after losing their homes.
5:01 AM PST

Thousands attend Eaton Fire community meeting

Thousands of people impacted by the Eaton Fire are still trying to figure out what's next.

To help share some insight on the recovery process, officials held a community meeting Sunday night at the Pasadena City College.

Various departments provided updates on the firefight, doubled down their commitment to rebuild Altadena and shared a timeline of priorities, such as clean-up efforts before residents are allowed back to their homes.

READ MORE | Officials lay out top priorities in Eaton Fire recovery process at community meeting

To help share some insight on the Eaton Fire recovery process, officials held a community meeting Sunday night at the Pasadena City College.
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3:05 AM PST

National Youth Poet dedicates poem to her hometown of Pacific Palisades after deadly fire

The Palisades Fire began in the Pacific Palisades area of the city on Jan. 7. It is at 23,713 acres in size with 13% containment. Approximately 5,000 structures have been destroyed.

Through tragedy, we've seen neighbors helping neighbors and the community coming together to heal.

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman is from Pacific Palisades. She posted on social media that her home sustained some damage but wasn't destroyed.

Gorman wrote a poem titled "Smoldering Dawn" dedicated to her hometown. Listen to the poem, in her own words, below.

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman is from Pacific Palisades. She wrote a poem titled "Smoldering Dawn" dedicated to her hometown.
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2:35 AM PST

Many schools reopen, others remain closed as the region braces for another round of strong winds

As the region braces for another round of strong winds, some schools remain closed as others are set to reopen Monday.

Most of Los Angeles Unified School District schools will reopen Monday, with the exception of nine schools that will remain closed.

Pasadena Unified School District campuses will remain closed through Friday while Pasadena City College was set to reopen on Monday.

La CaƱada Flintridge Unified School District schools will remain closed until Tuesday.

The Glendale Unified School District announced its schools would reopen Monday, except Rosemont Middle School.

Arcadia Unified School District schools will reopen Monday.

Santa Monica schools are set to reopen Monday, except for Roosevelt Elementary. All Malibu schools will remain closed through Wednesday.