Containment of Palisades, Eaton fires continue upward trend while winds expected to die down
Progress Made in Combating Blazes
The containment of the Eaton and Palisades fires continued its trend of gradual increases overnight, and with offshore winds weakening, firefighters may have an opportunity for bigger gains on Thursday, January 16.
The Eaton fire, burning in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre, was 55% contained as of 6:30 a.m., according to Cal Fire.
The Palisades fire, burning in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Topanga and Mandeville Canyons, inched upward to 22% containment.
Firefighters’ Efforts
Firefighters battling the Eaton fire used aircraft on Wednesday to support crews on the northern edge of the fire and utilized data from infrared flights to find and put out hot spots, Cal Fire officials said.
Crews also put ground-based retardant around the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and cleared brush “at strategic locations in La Cañada,” officials said.
Weather Conditions
A red flag warning remained in effect for the western San Gabriel Mountains until 3 p.m. Thursday, signaling dangerous weather for fires. That warning was dropped for all other parts of Los Angeles County at 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 15.
“Calmer but dry conditions will build Thursday with some moisture arriving this weekend,” officials said. “Critical fire weather conditions will likely return next week.”
Damage and Loss
The two fires have combined to damage or destroy more than 12,000 structures, officials have said. They have claimed at least 25 lives, with urban search and rescue efforts continuing Thursday to see if more have perished.
Conclusion
The containment of the Palisades and Eaton fires continues to make progress, and with the expected decrease in winds, firefighters may have a better chance of making significant gains in the coming days. However, the risk of fire remains high, and residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders and warnings.
FAQs
* What is the current containment status of the Palisades and Eaton fires?
* The Palisades fire is 22% contained, and the Eaton fire is 55% contained.
* What is the cause of the fires?
* The causes of both fires are unknown, though lawyers and some victims accuse Southern California Edison for the Eaton fire, while a previous, small fire might have ignited the Palisades blaze.
* When can residents and business owners return to fire-ravaged areas?
* Residents and business owners in fire-ravaged areas likely won’t be allowed back in for at least another week as officials continue to conduct damage and search-and-rescue assessments.
* How many people have been affected by the fires?
* The fires have damaged or destroyed over 12,000 structures and claimed at least 25 lives.
