Wildfires in California claim 24 lives, destroy over 12 000 structures
Two massive wildfires in Los Angeles County have scorched more than 14 973 ha (37 000 acres), leaving at least 24 people dead, destroying over 12 000 structures, and threatening tens of thousands more, as of late Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Image credit: CalFire
At least 24 people, up from 16 earlier reported, have been confirmed dead in the Palisades and Eaton fires — two of the most destructive wildfires in the history of Los Angeles County.
The Palisades Fire has burned over 9 307 ha (23 000 acres) and is 11 % contained. It has claimed at least three lives with reports suggesting a higher toll, injured three civilians, destroyed over 5 000 structures, and is threatening more than 12 000 structures.
Mandatory evacuation warnings have been issued for several areas along the Pacific Coast Highway, Encino Reservoir, the 405 Freeway, and Mandeville Canyon.
Nearly 5 000 personnel have been deployed to combat the fire, utilizing 39 helicopters, 519 engines, 67 dozers, and 86 crews.
The Eaton Fire has expanded to over 5 666 ha (14 000 acres), resulting in eight fatalities and injuries to five firefighters. Aerial image analysis suggests that the fire may have destroyed more than 7 000 structures. So far, officials have confirmed 1 211 destroyed structures and 166 damaged ones, with the blaze threatening 39 428 additional structures.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the higher elevations of the fire zones throughout the upcoming week due to gusty and dry northeast Santa Ana winds.
At least 153 000 citizens were under evacuation orders overnight Saturday into Sunday.
Palisades Fire generates a firenado
The Palisades Fire produced a firenado near the 405 Freeway on Friday, January 10, as the blaze intensified and moved toward Mandeville Canyon.
Fire tornadoes, also called fire whirls or fire devils, are rare phenomena that occur when a fire becomes so intense it generates its own weather system. Intense heat causes the air to rise, drawing in surrounding air and forming a spinning vortex. The particles inside the vortex move faster than those outside, giving it the appearance of a tornado.
These firenadoes can sometimes reach heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) but typically last only a few minutes.
To improve public awareness and operational transparency, CAL FIRE LNU has introduced real-time 3D aircraft tracking on its incident map.
The tool offers a unique perspective on firefighting efforts during the Palisades Fire.
Viewers can observe helicopters as they dip into water sources and strategically deploy water along the fire’s perimeter using advanced 3D incident mapping.
To use the tool, visit: Southern California 3D scene.
Update
08:12 UTC, January 13
The confirmed death toll reached 24 on Sunday evening (LT), January 12.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, eight people died in the Palisades Fire and 16 in Eaton. Several victims appear to have died after refusing to abandon their homes.
Officials fear the death toll will continue rising.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Sunday search and recovery operations continue in both fires, adding he doesn’t expect good news from those.
“A lot of these areas still look like they were hit by a bomb,” Luna said. “There are live electrical wires, gas lines and other hazards.”
The Palisades Fire was at 9 596 ha (23 713 acres) and 13% contained on Sunday evening (LT), while the Eaton fire was at 5 712 ha (14 117 acres) and 27% contained.
References:
1 California wildfires live updates: Death toll rises to 16 as Palisades Fire expands east to Brentwood and Encino – NBC – January 12, 2025
2 “Firenado” tears through Palisades Fire zone near Brentwood – CBS – January 11, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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