At 10:30 a.m. PST, Jan. 6th, a massive smoke cloud loomed over Pacific Palisades. Due to the harsh Santa Ana winds, a wildfire caught the seaside neighborhood. Firefighters and emergency services immediately responded to rescue California citizens in the area. The wildfire later soon spread to Eaton Canyon (6:40 p.m. PST), Hurst (10 p.m. PST), and into Jan. 8th, 2025, Woodley (6 a.m. PST). As firefighters continue to fight, they face another challenge of keeping their resources steady including fire hydrants.
Santa Ana Winds Brings the Flames
The National Weather Service of Los Angeles sent out a high-wind alert on Jan 7th. The station reported 7 times during the hour of 1 p.m. PST. They instructed residents to be prepared for the fierce winds from Santa Ana by taking shelter in their home’s lower levels in case of falling debris. The NWS forecasts these winds will increase to 50 mph until 6 p.m. on Jan. 8th. Instead, residents of Pacific Palisades were met with smoke and fire. Many people and their loved ones either escaped or were rescued during the natural disaster.
The Pacific Palisades area is located near the base of Santa Ana Mountain. Climatologist John Albatzoglou informed The Washington Post that Southern California’s landscape has been emanating flammable natural gases since the 2024 dry summer. Without any rain, these gases produce extreme heat. Climate scientist Alex Hall applies these circumstances to how the wildfire occurred.
The cold temperatures from the Great Basin of Nevada’s desert produce high pressure and push southern winds toward Santa Ana. Their temperature then converts into warmer temperatures as it touch the dry air in the mountain valleys. They become wind tunnels as they travel down toward the Palisades, generating heat. Once the heat interacts with the SoCal’s natural gases, it can burn any around it. In this case, the dry plants around the mountain. California Governor Gavin Newson ordered immediate evacuation when the flames intensified.
The Los Angeles Wildfires
Palisades Fire
In the past two days, the Palisades Fire has quickly become the new deadliest Los Angeles wildfire since the Woosley Fire back in November 2018. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna has reported that 37,000 are under evacuation orders while 15,000 are at risk. He later sent 20,000 evacuation warnings for civilians who reentered the danger zone.
There are two reasons why the LAPD is on high alert when it comes to these warnings. The first is for worrying about their loved ones who may not be aware of the evacuation. The second reason is for the looters to take advantage of the situation. The Palisades Fire has spread over 15,800 acres and over 1,000 firefighters are trying to contain the flames.
Eaton Fire
Eaton Canyon caught flames when Santa Ana winds arrived at the Aldatena Hills seven hours later. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone immediately sent 500 firefighters to the area. The Eaton Fire later swallowed 10,000 acres as it spread to Angeles National Forest and Pasadena. Compared to the Palisades Fire, Eaton had a slow start and killed 5 people. Pasadena Fire Department Chief Chad Augustine reported that over 1,000 structures have been destroyed.
The residents of Pasadena and Aldetena are devastated realizing how severe the situation is. CBS KCAL reported an elderly assisted living facility escorted the residents during the second Los Angeles Wildfire. Workers loaded them onto the Pasadena Transit buses for evacuation. A couple of brave citizens are staying behind to assist firefighters and neighbors to escape from Eaton’s blaze.
Hurst Fire
The third Los Angeles Wildfire took place in Hurst. Four hours after Eaton, the Santa Ana wind burned behind the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. When LAFD Fire Chief Kirstin Crowley observed where it landed, she recognized the Hurst Fire is on the Saddle Ridge Fire’s path from 2019. At around 6:30 p.m. PST, Cal Fire informed the public that 10% of its blaze was now contained, only burning 850 acres.
Woodley Fire
Woodley is one of the newest Los Angeles Wildfires to join the Palisades. Santa Ana winds were detected within the San Fernando Valley. Firefighters quickly responded and contained it. The Woodley Fire only managed to burn 75 acres. However, emergency services are determined to stay on their guard in case any hotspot appear nearby the area.
Presidential Aid & Disaster Shelters
The Los Angeles Wildfires have grown into a national concern that President Joe Biden has canceled his home trip to visit Southern California. He and Newson discussed the situation with the leaders of the Cal Fire. They recognized how strong these flames were and how the firefighters were struggling to keep up with resources. While they have access to fire hydrants, their water supply is very limited. Biden decided to offer aid by allowing the Navy to deliver water supply and drop copters to fight the flames from above.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has prepared evacuation shelters for people who have medical needs and families who have lost their homes. For any family with a pet, the LA County Fire Department has prepared a list of animal shelters that are offering vacancies. As news reporters continue to report, the Red Cross is asking for donations to help for wildfire relief.
