Firefighters Make Overnight Progress Battling Palisades and Eaton Fires
Eaton Fire
Firefighters have made significant progress battling the deadly Los Angeles blazes. As of 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, the Eaton fire was 73% contained, up from 65% the day before. The fire has burned 14,117 acres and is 73% contained.
Low marine clouds and fog are possible over the fire early Saturday morning, but a weakening south wind will lessen the marine influence through the weekend. Dry conditions are expected to return next week.
Officials will hold a virtual community meeting at 4 p.m. Saturday to provide an update on the fire, answer questions, and discuss recovery. Questions can be submitted in advance via email at 2025.eaton@firenet.gov. The meeting can be streamed live on YouTube: youtube.com/@LosAngelesCountyFD.
The fire has claimed 17 lives and destroyed nearly 9,000 structures. More than 2,700 personnel remain assigned to firefighting efforts, along with 13 helicopters, nearly 250 engines, 14 dozers, and 50 water tenders. Some areas under evacuation warning have been modified to "soft closures," allowing residents with valid proof of residence to access the area.
To identify your evacuation zone, visit: fire.ca.gov/incidents.html.
Palisades Fire
Minimal fire behavior was observed, and no further fire growth occurred Friday night, Cal Fire said. "Night operations had a very successful shift," said Cal Fire Assistant Chief Eric Schwab during an operational briefing Saturday morning. "One of the biggest successes that I’ll note from yesterday is we were able to pull in those evac orders and get them tighter up to the fire perimeter. Some residents were allowed to go back in."
On Saturday, Cal Fire expects slightly warmer temperatures with moderate humidity. "Weather-wise, this is a very typical mid-January day for this neck of the woods," said National Weather Service meteorologist Rich Thompson. "These clouds this morning should dissipate by late morning or early afternoon. Then, clear skies this afternoon and tonight."
Despite Saturday’s typical seasonal weather, Rob Clark, a fire behavior analyst with Cal Fire, reminded crews of the season’s atypical rainfall. "This time of the year, on a historical average, you would have almost 5.6 inches of rainfall. We’re at 1.6 inches of rainfall since July. So put that in perspective for the critically dry nature of our fuels that are out there."
Clark also warned of "critical weather conditions" set to reoccur after the weekend. Moderate Santa Ana winds are currently forecast for Monday and Tuesday, with gusts of 30 mph to 50 mph expected across Santa Ana wind corridors of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The Palisades fire has burned 23,713 acres and is 43% contained. Officials have confirmed 10 fatalities and nearly 4,000 structures destroyed. More than 5,400 personnel remain assigned to the fire, along with 44 helicopters and more than 550 engines, 53 dozers, and 58 water tenders. Some areas under evacuation warning are now open to residents only. A curfew order remains in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
To identify your evacuation zone, visit: fire.ca.gov/incidents.html.
Conclusion
Firefighters have made significant progress battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, with both blazes showing signs of containment. However, the season’s dry conditions and forecasted Santa Ana winds pose a significant threat to continued containment efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current containment level of the Eaton fire?
The Eaton fire is 73% contained. - What is the current containment level of the Palisades fire?
The Palisades fire is 43% contained. - How many structures have been destroyed in the Eaton fire?
The Eaton fire has destroyed nearly 9,000 structures. - How many structures have been destroyed in the Palisades fire?
The Palisades fire has destroyed nearly 4,000 structures. - How many fatalities have been reported in the Eaton fire?
The Eaton fire has claimed 17 lives. - How many fatalities have been reported in the Palisades fire?
The Palisades fire has claimed 10 lives.
