Firefighters Maintain Progress on Palisades, Eaton Fire Containment Despite Challenging Winds

Containment Efforts Continue Amid Santa Ana Winds

Santa Ana winds continued to challenge firefighters on the Palisades and Eaton fires, but containment efforts inched forward along the coast, and debris cleanup was underway in both burn scars ahead of possible rain coming over the weekend, authorities said.

Palisades Fire Update

The Palisades fire, burning since January 7, was 72% contained by Thursday, January 23, Cal Fire officials said. Firefighters battled 35 to 50 mph gusts and continued low humidity over Wednesday night, Cal Fire officials said.

Eaton Fire Update

The Eaton fire was 95% contained. Containment is the percentage of the blaze’s border blocked off by natural barriers or firefighters’ work.

Cleanup Efforts Underway

Cleanup was underway for both areas. The first phase, which is underway, is the removal of household hazardous waste items. The second phase will be conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should residents opt in to the free service. If not, residents can bring in a private vendor, provided they adhere to policies outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Loss and Damage

So far, 28 people are known to have died in the two fires, but investigators are doing searches for a couple of dozen missing people. More than 17,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the two fires, according to Cal Fire and the Angeles National Forest.

Weather Forecast

A red flag warning, signaling conditions ripe for spreading wildfires, was extended by the National Weather Service to 10 a.m. Friday, January 24. But at least some rain was anticipated over the weekend, possibly starting Saturday.

Conclusion

Despite the challenging winds, firefighters have made significant progress in containing the Palisades and Eaton fires. Cleanup efforts are underway, and residents are advised to take advantage of the free services offered. As the weather forecast indicates a possibility of rain over the weekend, authorities are hopeful that this will bring relief to the affected areas.

FAQs

* What is the current containment percentage of the Palisades fire?
+ 72%
* What is the current containment percentage of the Eaton fire?
+ 95%
* What is the purpose of the first phase of cleanup efforts?
+ The removal of household hazardous waste items
* What is the purpose of the second phase of cleanup efforts?
+ Conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, should residents opt in to the free service, or by private vendors, provided they adhere to policies outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.