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Some Progress Made on Fires, But Southern California Preparing for Still More Hot, Dry Winds
Owing to fast-spreading fires, SoCalGas officials said the utility had temporarily shut off natural gas service to 16,700 customers Saturday in the Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre communities. SoCalGas was working with contractors and mutual aid from San Diego Gas and Electric, Northwest Natural, and Pacific Gas and Electric to restore service, the company stated, adding it could take days or even weeks to restore service due to the large number of affected customers.
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A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as it burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Firefighters are taking advantage of a lull in hot, dry winds to make progress on multiple devastating, deadly fires raging across Southern California before Santa Ana weather returns next week.
Climate change is a major driver for these wildfires, which came amid a bone-dry winter that in turn followed last year’s unprecedented flooding in Southern California.
Containment of the Eaton Fire in the Altadena and Pasadena areas, which has resulted in 11 deaths and burned 14,117 acres, has grown from 15% to 27%, authorities said.
An army of firefighters worked overnight clearing more lines of vegetation around the fire while cutting down falling trees that were making it dangerous for firefighters and the public to get around.
Owing to fast-spreading fires, SoCalGas officials said the utility had temporarily shut off natural gas service to 16,700 customers Saturday in the Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre communities.
SoCalGas was working with contractors and mutual aid from San Diego Gas and Electric, Northwest Natural, and Pacific Gas and Electric to restore service, the company stated, adding it could take days or even weeks to restore service due to the large number of affected customers.
The death toll rose to 11 Saturday. One of the victims was identified as 66-year-old Victor Shaw of Altadena, who died in his residence after suffering from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, according to the County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department announced that family assistance centers were available for people looking for missing loved ones.
Authorities said more than 7,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged by the Eaton Fire, many of them homes. Nearly 40,000 structures were said to be threatened. Those numbers were expected to rise after further evaluation.
Santa Ana wind conditions diminished slightly in many areas Friday night into Saturday, helping firefighters, but winds were expected to pick up again and with gusts around 30 mph, then a stronger offshore wind event likely between Monday night and Wednesday with general gusts of 40 to 60 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, the weekend wind “seems generally focused on the San Gabriel Mountains but probably at least some advisory-level winds down into some of the valleys and Santa Monica Mountains.”
The NWS issued a high wind watch that will be in effect for the San Gabriel Mountains, western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, and the 14 freeway that will be in effect through Sunday afternoon. Those areas could see winds ranging from 30 to 50 mph, potentially gusting up to 60 mph.
But more powerful winds are anticipated to hit the region early next week.
“Right now it looks like Tuesday will be the strongest day,” forecasters said. “Unlike this week’s very dangerous event, which was more of a northerly wind event, this one is very likely to be a traditional (northeast) Santa Ana event. Still, the low humidities and the winds will combine to bring enhanced fire danger to the area.”
“The fire remained active overnight and is burning in an area with steep inaccessible terrain and critically dry vegetation,” fire officials said. “There is still a substantial amount of fire line to construct, including around communities. Minimal growth was observed, and resources continued to construct and improve fire line, as well as address public calls for service.
“Evacuation orders remain in place for the affected cities due to continued fire activity, numerous downed trees, downed power lines, gas leaks and power outages.”
An evacuation center was set up at the Pasadena Convention Center at 300 E. Green St. The Humane Society is on-site to accept small pets for boarding.
Small animals were also being sheltered at the Pasadena Humane Society at 361 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena and large animals were being accepted at the Industry Hills Expo Center, at 1600 Temple Ave., in Industry.
Small animals were also being accepted at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center at 4275 Elton St., while large animals were accepted at Industry Hills Expo Center at 16200 Temple in the city of Industry.
As of 3 p.m. Saturday, evacuation orders were lifted for the following areas:
— The city of Bradbury, and Bradbury estates.
— The city of Duarte.
— In La Cañada Flintridge, from Angeles Crest Highway east to Oakwood Avenue, north of Angeles Crest Highway at the curve West to Haskell Street, north of Foothill Boulevard to Knight way and the intersection of Gould Canyon Trail at Crown Avenue, east to Varo Road.
Evacuation orders were changed to evacuation warnings for the following areas:
— In La Canada Flintridge, north of Knight way/Gould Canyon Trail and east of Oakwood Avenue/Angeles Crest Highway at the curve, to Gould Mesa Road and Starlight Crest Drive.
— NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
A curfew was in effect nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the mandatory evacuation areas, with only firefighters, law enforcement and utility workers allowed in those zones. Authorities said Saturday afternoon that 19 arrests have been made in connection with the Eaton Fire, four for curfew violations.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has also promised that anyone caught looting in the fire zones would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced that he has doubled the number of California National Guard personnel activated to help maintain order in the fire areas to 1,680 members.
Officials continued to warn people of highly unhealthy air quality in the region, and said drinking water in evacuation zones is not safe to drink.
Some 3,155 personnel were assigned to the firefighting effort.
The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:20 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the hills above Altadena amid hurricane- force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
Among the structures destroyed in the fire was the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation reported that the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, Farnsworth Park’s Davies Community Center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Altadena Golf Course Club House and adjacent buildings were destroyed.
Also destroyed in the blaze was The Bunny Museum in Altadena.
The entire Angeles National Forest was closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through at least Jan. 15.
The U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Pasadena Fire Department, Arcadia Fire Department, Sierra Madre Fire Department, Pasadena Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were working under a unified command.
As a result of the fire, the Glendale, Pasadena and Burbank unified school districts, along with the Alhambra, South Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada, Arcadia, and Monrovia districts canceled classes for the week, as did Pasadena City College.
A few miles to the east, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia canceled racing this weekend due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County. Morning training will continue as scheduled both days and Santa Anita will remain open for simulcast wagering.
Track officials say their property was being used to support several relief efforts, including the large charity drop-off that was set up at the Rose Bowl and relocated to Santa Anita Park’s south parking lot Friday afternoon.
Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as its base camp to restore power to those in the affected areas and Santa Anita Park is working with additional response organizations requesting space.
Firefighters were also working through the night to build on the progress made during a day of reduced wind and add to the 11% containment of the Palisades Fire, which has scorched 23,707 acres, destroyed or damaged about 5,000 structures, and killed at least five people.
New evacuations were underway after the fire made a dramatic shift overnight, moving northeast to threaten the Brentwood area and the western San Fernando Valley.
The massive mandatory evacuation zone was stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the west, the 405 to the east, San Vicente Boulevard to the south, and the Encino Reservoir to the north.
Evacuation warnings were issued for the following two areas: Sunset Boulevard to the south, Mullholland Drive to the north, Bellagio Road/Roscomare Road to the east and the 405 Freeway to the west; and Mulholland/Sepulveda Boulevard to the south, the 405 Freeway to the east, Ventura Boulevard to the north and Louise Avenue to the west.
Video from Saturday showed firefighters battling steep terrain in an attempt to protect homes from encroaching flames in Mandeville Canyon northwest of the Getty Center and west of the 405 Freeway and in Brentwood, with some homes overcome by fire.
Authorities closed several off-ramps to the 405 Freeway to limit traffic in the West Los Angeles area Saturday morning, including Getty Center Drive, Skirball Center Drive, Sunset, Wilshire, Santa Monica, and Olympic boulevards.
Other road closures were in effect in the Palisades and Malibu areas, including a stretch of Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
As of early Sunday morning, at least 5,316 structures had been destroyed, a number that includes automobiles, and at least 426 homes have been destroyed. Authorities said approximately 105,000 people are currently evacuated.
Evacuation centers were set up at the following locations:
— Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd.;
— Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center, 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks;
— Lanark Recreation Center, 21816 Lanark St., Canoga Park;
— Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village;
— Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd.;
— Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St.;
— Stoner Recreation Center, 1835 Stoner Ave.;
— Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 7600 Beverly Blvd.
Small animals are welcome at the following locations:
— El Camino High School, 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills;
— Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills;
— Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, 4275 Elton St., Baldwin Park;
— Carson Animal Care Center, 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena;
— Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 Charlie Canyon;
— Downey Animal Care Center, 11258 Garfield Ave.;
— Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W Ave I;
— Palmdale Animal Care Center, 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale.
Large animals are welcome at the following locations:
— Pomona Fairplex, 101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona;
— Industry Hills Expo, 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry;
— LA Equestrian, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank;
— Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 Charlie Canyon;
— Pico Rivera Sports Arena, 11003 Sports Arena Drive.
An American Red Cross Sheltering Site was also assisting with a mobile animal shelter, for small animals only.
A mandatory curfew was in effect nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the mandatory evacuation areas, with only firefighters, law enforcement and utility workers allowed in those zones.
Authorities have pledged that anyone caught looting or committing other crimes in the fire areas will be fully prosecuted.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced that he has doubled the number of California National Guard personnel activated to help maintain order in the fire areas to 1,680 members.
Some 3,712 personnel were assigned to battle the Palisades Fire.
The fire erupted around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Piedra Morada and Monte Hermoso drives as the area was under a red flag warning for critical fire danger due to a historic wind event that saw gusts of 80 mph. It continued to grow exponentially Tuesday and Wednesday thanks to heavy fuel loads and powerful Santa Ana winds.
The winds died down Saturday morning, but another round of gusty northeast winds was expected Sunday, then a stronger offshore wind event will likely develop between Monday night and Wednesday. Low humidity and lack of rain were combining with strong winds to create the dangerous fire conditions, with forecasters calling this January the driest start to a rainy season on record in Southern California.
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Water and fire-retardant-dropping aircraft made numerous runs on the blaze in hopes of halting its forward advance.
Although the campus is not currently under an evacuation order, an evacuation warning has been issued to a zone adjacent to UCLA, and officials were asking those on campus to remain vigilant and “be ready to evacuate, should the alert be extended to our campus.”
The cause of the fire was unknown. During a briefing Saturday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said authorities have not determined whether any of the fires ravaging the county were intentionally set, but LASD detectives were working with the L.A. county and city fire departments, the Los Angeles Police Department, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to determine their cause.
“We don’t want any gaps in information any and every clue is important,” Luna said. “If anybody out there has any information on anything suspicious, maybe there’s a conversation, maybe there’s a social media post, something that you think just doesn’t sound right, get it to us.”
The five deaths from the Palisades Fire were in addition to 11 confirmed deaths in the Eaton Fire in Altadena. On Thursday, representatives of the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner removed remains from the ruins of a home in the vicinity of Duke’s restaurant in Malibu.
Officials from the sheriff’s department told reporters at the scene that deputies received a missing person report, prompting them to conduct a welfare check at the burned- out home, where the remains were discovered.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart issued a statement saying the “tragic news weighs heavily on our hearts.”
“This is a painful reminder of the profound impact this fire is having on our community,” Stewart said. “Malibu is more than a city — we are neighbors, friends and family. Even when we don’t know someone’s name, their loss is felt by all of us. In times like this, we must come together, support one another and show the resilience that defines our community.”
“It is safe to say the Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles,” LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley said Thursday morning.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said there were a “high number of significant injuries to residents who did not evacuate, in addition to first responders who were on the fire lines.”
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger signed an emergency proclamation in response to the fire, and the city of Los Angeles also issued an emergency declaration.
Newsom later signed a state of emergency proclamation, and President Joe Biden gave approval to federal funding to help cover costs of the firefighting effort.
Biden announced Thursday that the emergency funding, which normally covers 75% of costs relating to firefighting and recovery efforts, will cover 100% of the costs for 180 days.
The Getty Villa museum in Pacific Palisades was not damaged, but it will remain closed until at least Thursday.
Katherine Fleming, president and chief executive of the J. Paul Getty Trust, issued a statement Tuesday evening saying that the staff and art collection at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades “remain safe,” although “some trees and vegetation on site have burned.”
The Villa houses a treasured collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.
Getty officials also said their Brentwood museum near the 405 freeway was closed “out of caution and to help alleviate traffic in the area.”
As is standard during high-fire-danger conditions, Southern California Edison customers in some areas were having their power turned off under the utility’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs program. The program is designed to de- energize power lines that could potentially be damaged and spark a wildfire during red flag conditions.
As of Sunday morning, 36,737 Edison customers were without power.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said that as of Sunday morning, 42,488 of its 1.5 million electricity customers were without power.
The utility disputed reports that fire hydrants in the Palisades were broken during the first days of the fire, hampering firefighting efforts.
“This was an unprecedented hurricane wind-driven wildfire in an urban area. Our crews and our system was prepared, but overwhelmed by the massive demand as firefighting continued,” the DWP said in a statement.
“Any assertion that fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades were broken before the Palisades fire is misleading and false. LADWP works with LAFD who is responsible for inspecting fire hydrants citywide. LADWP repaired every hydrant needing repairs as reported by LA Fire Department inspectors. LADWP’s fire hydrant repair list was current and updated, and all reported fire hydrants were fully operational in the Pacific Palisades and in L.A.’s Westside communities prior to the fire.
“No power was lost to LADWP pump stations during the fire, and water supply remained strong to the area,” the statement continued. “Water pressure in the system was lost due to unprecedented and extreme water demand to fight the wildfire without aerial support. This impacted our ability to refill the three water tanks supplying the Palisades causing the loss of suction pressure. This impacted 20% of the hydrants in the area, mostly in the higher elevations. As soon as LADWP identified the risk of losing water in the tanks and water pressure in the system, we immediately deployed potable water tankers to sustain support for firefighting efforts…
“The water system serving the Pacific Palisades area and all of Los Angeles meets all federal and state fire codes for urban development and housing. LADWP built the Pacific Palisades water system beyond the requirements to support the community’s typical needs…
“As we face the impacts of climate change and build climate resilience, we welcome a review and update of these codes and requirements if city water systems will be used to fight extreme wildfires. LADWP is initiating our own investigation about water resiliency and how we can enhance our posture to respond to the impacts of climate change.”
City News Service contributed to this report.
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