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

Lidia Fire: New blaze erupts in Acton area, triggers evacuations

A new brush fire erupted Wednesday afternoon, triggering evacuations in the Acton area.

A new brush fire erupted Wednesday, triggering evacuations in the Acton area. The Lidia Fire has spread quickly into the Angeles National Forest.

The so-called Lidia Fire along Soledad Canyon Road quickly grew to 348 acres, spreading to the Angeles National Forest.

The blaze was 40% contained as of 6:20 p.m. Wednesday.

California Highway Patrol officers were conducting evacuations near Soledad Canyon and Agua Dulce Canyon roads.

Soledad Canyon Road was shut down between Agua Dulce Canyon Road and Crown Valley Road.

The following animal shelters were established:

Castaic Animal Care Center
31044 Charlie Canyon

Lancaser Animal Care Center
5210 W Ave, Lancaster

Palmdale Animal Care Center
38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale

Latest on the Lidia Fire here.

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

Eaton Fire death toll rises to 5, Sheriff Luna confirms

Five people have now died in the Eaton Fire, which continues to burn out of control near the Altadena and Pasadena areas.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the death toll to Eyewitness News on Wednesday. During an early morning press conference, authorities had said there were two lives lost.

Five people have died in the Eaton Fire, which continues to burn near Altadena and Pasadena, Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed on Wednesday.

The sheriff emphasized the importance of leaving if you live in the evacuation zone.

"If you are under an evacuation order, please leave right away....I keep on repeating myself - I know it''s your home, but nothing is worth risking your life," he said. "If you're under an evacuation warning, get everything ready and be ready to go, because those winds are blowing. This is just so unpredictable, and we just don't want anyone else to get hurt."

The Eaton Fire erupted shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday and has since burned 10,600 acres with zero containment. View the fire evacuation maps here.

Josh Haskell Image
Jan 16, 2025, 2:15 PM GMT

50-75% of Pacific Palisades is gone, ABC7's Josh Haskell estimates

The Pacific Palisades fire is sweeping through neighborhoods at a devastating rate, and now, we're learning just how much of the area might be gone.

ABC7's Josh Haskell, who grew up in the community, believes 50 to 75% of Pacific Palisades is gone, adding that the number is not an exaggeration.

"I cannot explain the level of devastation that I just saw," he said. "My photographer and I are literally numb from driving."

While officials reported earlier in the morning that 1,000 structures had been destroyed, Haskell says that number is sure to increase, noting the entire business district -- including Ralph's, Starbucks, Gelson's -- is gone.

ABC7's Josh Haskell, who grew up in the community, believes 50 to 75% of Pacific Palisades is gone, adding that the number is not an exaggeration.
KABC logo
Jan 17, 2025, 5:42 PM GMT

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