Thousands remain evacuated as crews work to contain Los Angeles County wildfires

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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 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.

Key Headlines in the last 24 hours

Here's how the news is developing.
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Jan 16, 2025, 3:24 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
  • 22% containment
  • 9 deaths
  • 5,316 structures burned

Eaton Fire in San Gabriel Valley

  • 14,117 acres
  • 55% 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
  • 98% contained

Auto Fire

  • 61 acres
  • 85% contained

Kenneth Fire in West Hills

  • 1,052 acres
  • 100% contained

2:15 PM GMT

Brush fire burns 75 acres in Sepulveda Basin

Firefighters on Wednesday were scrambling to get control of another fire that broke out near the Sepulveda Basin.

The Woodley Fire was reported around 6:15 a.m. and was initially estimated at 75 acres, according to Cal Fire. Officials later updated that to 30 acres burned.

The fire did not spread any further, and no structures were threatened.

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2:15 PM GMT

Evacuation warnings issued for parts of Duarte amid Eaton Fire

Evacuation warnings were issued Wednesday morning for parts of Duarte as the massive Eaton Fire continued to spread amid 0% containment.

The city of Duarte issued the warning for zonesDUA-001 andDUA-002, DUA-005, and DUA-008.

"Residents in these areas should prepare a 'Go Bag' of necessary supplies in the event an Evacuation Order is issued," the city said in a statement. "Those residing in the area who require additional time to evacuate, or who require special assistance, may want to evacuate as a precautionary measure."

Officials urged residents to visit protect.genasys.com/search to learn more about their respective evacuation zones.

As of 5:30 a.m., Cal Fire reported the fire was 2,227 acres and was 0% contained.

2:15 PM GMT

210 Freeway shut down in Sylmar

The 210 Freeway was completely shut down Wednesday morning due to the Hurst Fire burning in the Sylmar area.

Both sides were closed between Roxford Street and the 5 Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. It's unclear when the road would be reopened.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area.

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2:15 PM GMT

Eaton Fire's evacuations expand to La Cañada Flintridge, including JPL

Evacuation orders were expanded Wednesday morning to parts of La Cañada Flintridge, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as the Eaton Fire that began in the foothills above Altadena continued to burn uncontrolled.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Crescenta Valley station released a map that showed the new evacuation area.

A fast-moving brush fire continued raging in the Eaton Canyon area, forcing widespread evacuations and school closures while destroying an unknown number of homes and other structures.

"Residents in affected zones should evacuate immediately," the Sheriff's Department said. "Gather essential items Have an evacuation plan Stay informed through official channels such as Genasys Protect at protect.genasys.com."

The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick, according to Cal Fire.

As of 5:30 a.m., Cal Fire reported the fire was 2,227 acres and was 0% contained.