New research published on August 6, 2025, in JAMA estimates that 440 excess deaths occurred in Los Angeles County, California, from January 5–February 1, 2025, due to the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, compared with 30 direct deaths officially reported.
Extremely critical fire weather conditions persist in southern California due to strong Santa Ana winds, posing a significant threat of rapid fire growth through Wednesday. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with localized gusts reaching 115 km/h (70 mph).
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.
The Palisades Fire, now the largest of six active wildfires in Los Angeles County, has scorched over 15 400 ha (38 000 acres), destroyed 5 300 structures, and forced new evacuations as containment remains at 11%. To improve public awareness and operational transparency, CAL FIRE LNU has introduced real-time 3D aircraft tracking on its incident map.
The Palisades Fire, now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history, has burned through over 8 094 ha (20 000 acres), destroyed more than 5 300 structures, and left Pacific Palisades in ruins since it ignited on January 7, 2024. With only 6% containment, the fire has ravaged entire neighborhoods, including some of the nation’s most affluent areas.
The Palisades Fire broke out on Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025, and has burnt through 6 975 ha (17 234 acres) in Los Angeles County by Thursday, destroying and damaging over 1 000 structures by some reports. The blaze forced tens of thousands to evacuate, terrifying the residents who were forced to flee with just essentials.
