What To Know About The Fires That Have Erupted In California – Is An Increase In Wildfires Expected?

Wildfires have swept through a Southern California community, leaving devastation in their wake. Experts warn that the worst may still be ahead.

As the crisis unfolds, the area faces escalating challenges. On January 7, more than 30,000 people in Los Angeles were compelled to evacuate as fierce winds drove the flames further.

Fires in the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena areas remained unchecked, with wind speeds expected to reach a record-breaking 100 miles per hour. This posed a significant threat overnight.

The fires ravaging Los Angeles have ignited on both sides of the city. In the west, the Palisades fire tore through over 2,900 acres in Pacific Palisades, a coastal area near downtown. On January 7, the blaze rapidly expanded, doubling its size within just three hours during the afternoon.

While the Palisades fire continued its rapid spread to the west, another blaze erupted to the east in Eaton Canyon, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains above Altadena. Dubbed the Eaton fire, it consumed 1,000 acres by nightfall on January 7.

Meanwhile, to the north, the Hurst fire expanded to 100 acres in Sylmar, a San Fernando Valley suburb, prompting further evacuations as the flames threatened homes and communities.

As wildfires continue to threaten communities across Southern California, authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings for numerous areas.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Westwood Recreation Center, located at 1350 South Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, to assist those displaced by the fires.

As evacuation efforts persist, the scope of destruction remains unclear. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley noted that several structures in Pacific Palisades had been damaged, though the exact number was still unknown.

Officials reported that the Palisades fire threatens over 10,000 households and 13,000 structures, while the Eaton fire has placed at least 550 homes in danger, according to Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian.

As the fires continue to spread unchecked, officials remain focused on battling the rapidly growing threats. The Eaton fire, which began in Altadena just north of Pasadena, has expanded to 1,000 acres within six hours and, like the Palisades and Hurst fires, is completely uncontained.

Fire crews, who began their efforts on January 7, are now facing worsening conditions as strong winds intensify overnight, making containment efforts even more challenging in the early hours of January 8.

The unrelenting fires are the result of a perfect storm of dangerous weather and environmental conditions. Southern California has been gripped by strong winds, reaching speeds of 50 to over 100 miles per hour in some mountain areas, combined with extremely dry air.

Overgrown vegetation, spurred by two rainy winters but left dehydrated by this season’s lack of rain, has become highly flammable. Forecasters have warned that this is “about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather.”

These extreme conditions are further intensified by the seasonal Santa Ana winds, which bring dry, forceful gusts from Nevada and Utah. Historically, these winds have fueled some of California’s most devastating wildfires, including the 2018 inferno that destroyed the town of Paradise.

With extreme weather persisting, officials warn that the fires could escalate further. Wind speeds were forecast to peak between late evening on January 7 and early morning on January 8, potentially fueling rapid and unpredictable fire growth.

Authorities have called on those near the fires who have not yet evacuated to remain on high alert and prepared to leave if necessary. Residents throughout Southern California are also being cautioned to stay vigilant for new fires sparked by the dangerous conditions.

The severity of the fires has prompted direct attention from state leaders. Governor Gavin Newsom shared his observations after visiting the impacted areas, where swirling winds, embers, and widespread destruction left a lasting impression.

He noted the alarming number of structures lost, emphasizing that “the fact that people were still not evacuated, still did not heed the warning, were just coming down the canyon, is a reminder of how serious this moment is and how important it is you listen to these evacuation orders.”

Newsom’s urgent message aligns with warnings from local fire officials as extreme fire weather continues to grip the region. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley described the conditions as unprecedented, noting that the city remains under a red flag alert.

“Currently, the fire is at 1,261 acres and growing based on aerial reconnaissance,” she reported. According to Crowley, the combination of intense winds and challenging terrain are major factors complicating containment efforts for the crews battling the flames.

Efforts to contain the Palisades fire faced a setback on January 7 as strong winds grounded firefighting aircraft. Operations were halted around 8 p.m., with officials stating they would resume when conditions improved. They are reportedly dealing with blowtorch conditions.

By 11 p.m., the fire remained completely uncontained, and “extreme fire behavior” continued to challenge crews, said the fire department. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are expected to persist through January 9, which will further complicate containment efforts.

“This event is not only not over, but it is just getting started and will get significantly worse before it gets better,” warned UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain during a briefing.

The National Weather Service echoed these concerns, predicting that this windstorm could become the most destructive to strike the Los Angeles region since 2011.

As Southern California battles one of its most challenging wildfire events in recent years, the combination of extreme weather, dry conditions, and unpredictable winds continues to threaten lives, homes, and communities.

With thousands evacuated and firefighters working tirelessly under hazardous conditions, officials urge residents to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and stay prepared for rapidly changing circumstances.

As the situation unfolds, the resilience and cooperation of those impacted will play a crucial role in navigating this devastating crisis.