Break in Winds Allows Crews to Make Big Gain on Eaton Fire; Containment Grows on Palisades Fire
Eaton Fire
Despite the threat of strong winds, crews battling the Eaton fire made significant gains overnight and now have containment lines around nearly half of the fire, authorities said on Wednesday morning, January 15.
The fire remains at 14,117 charred acres, but it is 45% contained, Angeles National Forest officials said.
Firefighters were bracing for another potentially challenging day as a red flag warning for dangerous fire weather will be in effect until 6 p.m. for all areas in Los Angeles County except the western San Gabriel Mountains, which will be under a red flag warning until 3 p.m. Thursday, January 16, according to the National Weather Service.
Palisades Fire
Containment continued to inch upward for the Palisades fire as well, as firefighters have achieved 19% containment as of Wednesday morning. That fire’s footprint hadn’t grow, still holding at 23,713 acres, according to Cal Fire.
Progress and Challenges
“Today’s efforts are focused on mop-up and reinforcing containment lines to ensure perimeter control,” Angeles National Forest officials said. “The fire is expected to remain in its current footprint, with aircraft continuing to support firefighters with retardant drops in inaccessible terrain.”
Fire crews caught a break on Tuesday as the winds were not as strong as predicted.
Death Toll and Damage
The death toll from the fires on Tuesday reached 25 people, as remains were found within the Palisades burn area, according to the Medical Examiner’s office. Remains were also found in Altadena on Tuesday, but it was later determined they were not human.
Damage-assessment teams were combing both of the blaze’s destructive paths. Combined, the fires have damaged or destroyed an estimated 12,000-plus structures, officials have said.
Causes of the Fires
Officials have not said what caused either fire, although lawyers and victims are blaming Southern California Edison for the Eaton fire, while some suspect a previous, small fire might have ignited the Palisades blaze.
Conclusion
The break in winds has given crews a much-needed reprieve, allowing them to make significant gains in containing the fires. However, firefighters remain vigilant, knowing that another strong wind event is expected to hit the region on Thursday.
FAQs
* What is the current containment percentage of the Eaton fire?
The Eaton fire is 45% contained.
* What is the current containment percentage of the Palisades fire?
The Palisades fire is 19% contained.
* How many acres have burned in the Eaton fire?
The Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres.
* How many acres have burned in the Palisades fire?
The Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres.
* How many people have died in the fires?
The death toll from the fires is 25.
