Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and charred more than 60 square miles. The largest by far — the Palisades and Eaton wildfires — continue to burn, officials said.
The strongest winds were weakening, giving firefighters a much-needed break. Conditions are forecast to continue to improve this week, but the National Weather Service said dangerous conditions are expected next week.
Officials said tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County remained under evacuation orders even as the orders were lifted in many places. Curfews were still in effect for the Palisades and Eaton fire zones from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
9:52 AM / January 16, 2025.
Public health emergency declared in Pasadena
A public health emergency has been declared for Pasadena due to impacts from the Eaton Fire.
The Pasadena Public Health Department declared the emergency Wednesday night, saying ash and debris "pose a significant potential current and future risk to health, safety, and the environment."
The department said the emergency aims "to ensure residents take appropriate measures to protect themselves from toxic ash and debris, as well as proactively positioning the city to access County, State, and Federal resources and programs that will be critical to the rebuilding process."
It is forbidden to use power air blowers like leaf blowers while the emergency is in place since they can kick up ash and particulate matter, the department said.
L.A. Clippers owner donates $15 million for wildfire recovery
Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, donated $15 million to wildfire recovery efforts and organizations currently supporting the communities impacted. The funds are particularly focused on providing assistance in Altadena, where the deadly Eaton Fire originated and caused significant damage.
"We love L.A. and are committed to supporting the communities affected by the devastating wildfires," Steve and Connie Ballmer said in a statement released Wednesday through the Ballmer Group, a philanthropic organization. "In coordination with our local partners, Ballmer Group will contribute to addressing immediate food and shelter needs in the community and supporting our first responders."
Ballmer Group shared a list of organizations and relief initiatives that will receive portions of the donation.
8:50 AM / January 16, 2025
Fire containment - latest numbers
Crews are steadily working to contain three wildfires in Los Angeles County and one in Ventura on Thursday. Another blaze, the Little Mountain Fire, broke out Wednesday in San Bernardino and spread over 34 acres. Cal Fire said the Little Mountain Fire stopped growing hours after it started, but none of it is contained as of Thursday morning.
The Palisades Fire in western L.A. has burned 23,714 acres, and 21% is contained, according to Cal Fire. On the other side of the county, the Eaton Fire covers 14,117 acres and almost half is under control. Firefighters have also contained 98% of the Hurst Fire, at 799 acres. Those blazes haven't expanded in several days.
In Ventura County, firefighters have contained 85% of the Auto Fire, which broke out Monday and covers 61 acres, Cal Fire said.