Sacramento, CA…More than 8,000 personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency support personnel, continue to respond to ongoing historic wildfires in Southern California. In the first ten days of the year, there have been 35,999 acres burned, from 98 fires across the state. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect in much of the southern coastal area until 6 p.m. today.

Damage inspections continue with the initial assessment of destroyed structure being 5,316 for the Palisades Fire and an estimated over 5,000 structures destroyed from the Eaton Fire. These current numbers still need to be validated but will likely make the Palisades and Eaton fires the third and fourth most destructive fires in California’s history respectively.

Yesterday, January 9, 2025, an air tanker flying in the Palisades Fire area was struck by a civilian uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The aircraft sustained damage and will remain grounded and out of service. There were no injuries reported. This is a reminder that if you fly we cannot! Flying a UAS amidst firefighting efforts is a federal offence punishable by up to 12 month of incarceration and a fine of up to $75,000. This incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet continue to prove a valuable resource in the response to Southern California fires. Since January 7, 2025, CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet has dropped over 59,000 gallons of retardant, over 72,000 gallons of water, and logged over 75 flight hours including 8 hours of nighttime operations as weather has allowed. CAL FIRE’s new C130 Air Tanker, T122 has also flown over ten hours, dropping over 30,000 gallons of retardant.

California National Guard has activated additional resources with ten water dropping helicopters supporting firefighting operations.

Two CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams remain activated to the Eaton and Palisades fires with a third pre-positioned to Southern California in response to the increased fire threat.

California continues to receive support and resources from nearby states including Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Nevada.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today, Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. for moderate to strong north to northeast winds and low relative humidity for the central and southeastern Ventura County valleys, the valleys of Los Angeles County including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, the Ventura and Los Angeles County mountains including the Santa Monica range and the Santa Susana Mountains, the Interstate 5 corridor and the Malibu coast. The Red Flag Warning is also in effect for the inland valleys, foothills, and mountains in San Diego and Riverside counties.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, typical mid-January conditions are expected. Sunday and continuing through the middle of next week, weak to moderate Santa Ana winds are expected. There is a chance of strong winds Tuesday. There will continue to be a high likelihood of critical fire weather conditions through next week.

With the Red Flag Warning in effect, CAL FIRE is urging all Californians to take extreme caution to prevent sparking a wildfire. With gusty winds, coupled with warm and dry conditions, fire danger will be elevated. The public is asked to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. To learn more, visit ReadyForWildfire.org.

Palisade Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)

Pacific Palisades and Topanga

*20,438 acres, 8% contained

*5,316 structures likely damaged or destroyed

*Damage assessment is ongoing

*Evacuation orders and warnings in place for multiple communities

*350 engines, 54 crews, 54 dozers, 23 helicopters, 57 water tenders, 3,073 personnel

*Unified Command CAL FIRE, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire Department, L.A. Police Department

*CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 assigned

Situation Summary: The fire continues to exhibit wind-driven and topographic runs upslope. Short-range spotting is still observed. Gusts up to 40 mph were observed into Thursday afternoon. North to northeast winds are expected to increase with poor overnight humidity recovery.

Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)

North Pasadena and Altadena

*13,690 acres, 3% contained

*5,000+ structures likely damaged or destroyed

*Damage assessment is ongoing

*Evacuation orders and warnings in place for multiple communities

*203 engines, 15 crews, 16 dozers, 39 water tenders, 973 personnel

*Unified Command CAL FIRE, USFS, L.A. County Fire Department, Pasadena Fire

*CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 3 assigned

Situation Summary: Firefighters are working aggressively to slow the spread and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities as the situation evolves.

Kenneth Fire, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (more info…)

Hidden Hills

*1,000 acres, 35% contained and the forward progress has been stopped

*There are no evacuation orders currently in place

*29 engines, 6 crews, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders, 346 personnel

*L.A. County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department

Situation Summary: Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts. The challenging terrain and persistent winds complicate suppression activities, necessitating heightened vigilance from residents and adherence to directives from local authorities.

Hurst Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)

Stetson Ranch Park

*771 acres, 37% contained

*2 structures likely damaged or destroyed

*Damage assessment is ongoing

*Evacuation orders have been lifted, but several warnings remain in place for multiple communities

*26 engines, 6 crews, 6 dozers, 4 water tenders, 451 personnel

*Unified Command CAL FIRE, USFS, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire Department, L.A. County Sheriff

Situation Summary: Firefighters have successfully contained the fire north of the I-210 Foothill Freeway, establishing control lines extending to Santa Clara Divide Road. Crews managed several flare-ups within the fire’s perimeter. Residents returning home are advised to observe extreme caution and are advised to NOT drink the water until advised by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Lidia Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)

Soledad Canyon

*395 acres, 75% contained

*There are no evacuation orders currently in place

*7 engines, 2 water tenders

* USFS Angeles National Forest, L.A. County Fire

Situation Summary: Continue to improve, reinforce and secure control lines as well as carry out extensive mop-up operations.

The recent spike in wildfire activity is an important reminder for residents to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. Having an evacuation plan, a supply kit, and important paperwork will make it easier when it is time to GO. Remember one less spark, means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at ReadyForWildfire.org.

Stay informed of emerging fires by bookmarking Incidents | CAL FIRE

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