Flames engulf Los Angeles County as firefighters and first responders struggle to contain five separate fires that erupted Tuesday morning, Jan. 7. Within two days almost 30,000 acres have decimated neighborhoods and known communities with five confirmed deaths and over 130,000 people displaced under evacuation orders. The cause of the fires is largely due to extremely high winds (80-100 mph) and low humidity carrying embers across the mountainous regions. Over 2000 structures have burned with most at 0% containment as the nation watches shocking footage of residents fleeing and abandoning their homes.
Video: Cal Fire Division Chief Jeremiah Herr shares video driving through the Palisades fire Jan. 8.
The first and largest fire is the Palisades Fire, which first responders were informed of at 10:30 a.m. Jan.7. The Palisades Fire raged near the Getty Villa Museum 11 miles from Malibu. The southbound fire continued blazing rapidly while burning five football fields per minute. In just one day, the fire burned over 11,800 acres and destroyed 1,000 structures including apartment complexes, homes, restaurants, and businesses.
Junior Owen Gailey witnessed the intense flames caused by the Palisades fire on a flight back which landed at the Los Angeles International Airport.
“We got a pretty good sight of the fire as it was moving towards houses,” Gailey said. “A lot of people on the flight were scared. There was a lot of turbulence due to the 100 mph winds going towards the ocean, which caused us to take a different flight path towards the inland.”
Andy Vansciver is a firefighting Public Information Officer (PIO) who is working at the Palisade Fire ensuring the priority of the safety of Los Angeles County residents.
“We as a fire department prioritize life safety over property,” Vansciver said. “We prioritize getting people evacuated and focus on the life safety aspects.”
View this post on Instagram
Many celebrities, including Adam Sandler, Tom Hanks, and Jennifer Aniston, have been evacuated from their homes. Reagan actor Dennis Quaid took time on Fox News to personally thank four Fresno firefighters
“I can’t say enough about the firefighters who’ve been here. They’ve really made a difference. They’re the guys that are running in, when everybody else is running out. They made a different right here in my block.”
Over 4700 firefighters from all over the state have joined together to battle the blaze including five engines, 22 firefighters, and a strike team from Fresno Fire.
Only eight hours after the Palisades Fire, a new blaze erupted to the East named the Eaton Fire. The Eaton fire was first reported at 6:18 p.m. with the cause of the massive fire is still under investigation as of now. The fire is spreading in the Northern LA district between the Pasadena and Sierra Madre areas. So far the inferno has consumed more than 10,600 acres of land and destroyed hundreds of homes, making it the second-largest fire of the four. All civilians in the area are under red flag warning and the outer area is on evacuation notice. So far the Eaton fire is the only fire of the five that has claimed civilian lives, with the victims yet to be identified.
Former FC Bible teacher Aubri Foster grew up in the area where the Eaton Fire currently has her family on standby ready to evacuate their home in the hills of Glendale.
“The photos and videos coming from friends and family in LA right now is horrendous,” Foster said. “My sister has been without power with two babies under four for over two days and they are the lucky ones!”
The third fire that continues to grow is the Hurst Fire. The Hurst fire erupted at 10:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7. and is 10% contained as of Jan 9. Located near Sylmar, north of Glendale the fire has spread over 800 acres and continues to be a hazard. The fire has caused 3,000 evacuations and threatens 40,000 homes and 70,000 people.
The Woodley Fire is the fourth reported blaze in the North Eastern Los Angeles County that is now contained. This dangerous fire poses a great threat to Burbank Boulevard. The Sunset fire, also now contained, began Jan. 8 around 6 p.m. scorching 60 acres and threatening the iconic Hollywood sign and neighboring Griffith Observatory.
Predictable Santa Anna winds have residents questioning the preparedness and lack of resources that have led to catastrophic consequences. Early reports from boots on the ground revealed dry fire hydrants, water pressure issues, and a lack of air resources needed to prevent further spread. Governor Gavin Newsom was on site confirming that every resource was being utilized while many questioned his policies that impact water availability for the entire state. President-elect Donald Trump has called for the resignation of the Governor.
Aubri Foster expresses a common concern that resounds across LA residents.
“These fires are often called “natural disasters” but there is nothing natural about what is happening,” Foster explains. “In fact, it seems extremely unnatural and can be attributed to our lack of foresight, preparation, and preparedness as a state. Which seems odd considering we should have learned from previous devastation like the Paradise Fire, or the most recent Malibu Fire a few weeks ago! We have had PLENTY of time to get it together for the urban, suburban, and rural areas alike, so it is time to ask the hard questions of those in positions to make a difference, and maybe even more importantly why we keep putting the same people in those positions expecting a different outcome!”
Due to the fires, economic damages are estimated more than $50 billion while the Palisades fire is gaining the title of “Most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.” Power outages, school closures, road closures, and horrendous air quality impacts the entire city. This situation will be ongoing as high winds are predicted to occur for the next week.
Newsom has declared a state of emergency and the California National Guard is en route. If you would like to help, numerous organizations will aid the victims and their families.
Red Cross Disaster Relief: visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County.
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires. Find out more about the organization and how to donate here.
To donate to Wild Fire Relief Funds visit Wild Fire Relief Funds
To read more from The Feather visit, Athlete spotlight: Aden Millwee overcomes challenges to soar or Alumni Spotlight: Family of firefighters serve alongside one another
Tabitha Peters • Jan 9, 2025 at 5:24 pm
Such a sad tragedy for LA. Thank you for keeping us informed, Lala and Hayden.