5 Dead in LA Fires as New Calabasas Blaze Rages Out of Control California
At least five people have been confirmed dead as devastating wildfires continue to tear through Southern California. LA County Sheriff’s officials have warned that the death toll could rise as dry, windy conditions fuel the spread of the blazes, leaving firefighters struggling to contain the destruction.
Currently, thousands of firefighters are battling at least five massive wildfires across the Los Angeles area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, has consumed over 19,000 acres in Pacific Palisades, destroying thousands of structures, with containment still at zero percent. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in Altadena has scorched more than 13,000 acres, also remaining uncontained.
Over 180,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as the fires advance.
In response to the crisis, President Joe Biden approved a federal major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County on Wednesday, aiming to accelerate relief efforts and provide resources to combat the flames.
Death Toll and Victim Update
The LA County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday night that five people have died as a result of the fires—three from the Eaton Fire and two from the Palisades Fire.
Earlier, officials had incorrectly reported five fatalities from the Eaton Fire and two from the Palisades Fire during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon. This correction highlights the chaotic and rapidly changing nature of the emergency response.
As firefighters work tirelessly to bring the infernos under control, the scope of destruction continues to grow, marking one of the most catastrophic wildfire events in recent Southern California history.
New Satellite Images Reveal Devastating Impact of LA Wildfires
Fresh satellite images from Maxar Technologies, a Colorado-based satellite company, have unveiled the extensive destruction caused by the raging wildfires in Los Angeles.
The photos highlight the severe damage in hard-hit areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Billowing clouds of smoke from the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire are clearly visible, blanketing the landscape in a grim reminder of the disaster.
Progress on the Palisades Fire
Firefighters are making headway against the massive Palisades Fire, which has now spread to nearly 20,000 acres. As of 6:30 p.m. local time Thursday, the blaze is 6% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Kenneth Fire Grows Rapidly
The newly ignited Kenneth Fire in West Hills has quickly grown to nearly 1,000 acres with no containment reported. Officials have issued evacuation orders for the area, warning of the fire’s rapid spread fueled by high winds.
“This fire is moving quickly, and conditions are changing by the minute,” LA Mayor Karen Bass stated during an evening press briefing. “We urge everyone to act swiftly—evacuate now if you are in the affected areas.”
LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath echoed the urgency, emphasizing the need for residents to prioritize safety and leave immediately.
Widespread Fire Activity
Numerous wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, including the catastrophic Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire. Combined, these blazes have scorched tens of thousands of acres, destroyed numerous structures, and claimed at least five lives.
As firefighters battle the flames and residents flee to safety, the devastation underscores the ferocity of the wildfire season and the challenges of containing such rapidly moving infernos.
Sen. Adam Schiff Issues Blunt Evacuation Warning Amid LA Wildfires
During a Thursday press briefing, Sen. Adam Schiff delivered a stark message to Los Angeles County residents: “If you’re told to evacuate, get the hell out.”
“You might think you can outrun a fire, but you can’t. The speed and unpredictability of these fires make it impossible. If you stay, you’re risking your life,” the Democratic senator warned. “Save yourselves. You can rebuild because we will rebuild.”
Death Toll Update
Two fatalities have been confirmed in the Palisades Fire, which has spread across nearly 20,000 acres, according to Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley. This update corrects earlier reports that incorrectly attributed five deaths to the Eaton Fire.
Drone Collision with Firefighting Aircraft
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a drone collision with a firefighting aircraft over the Palisades Fire on Thursday.
The aircraft landed safely, but the FAA warned that interfering with firefighting efforts is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison.
Vikings-Rams Wild Card Game Relocated
In light of the fires, the NFL has moved Monday’s Vikings-Rams wild card game from Los Angeles County’s SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
“The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFLPA,” the league announced.
Vice President Harris Cancels Foreign Trip
Vice President Kamala Harris has canceled her upcoming visit to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany to focus on the federal response to the LA wildfires.
Initially set to depart on Jan. 13, Harris will remain in the U.S. to assist with ongoing efforts to address the crisis.
Erroneous Countywide Evacuation Alert
A countywide evacuation alert sent Thursday afternoon was mistakenly issued, causing confusion among residents.
The alert, intended for areas near the Kenneth Fire, was erroneously broadcast to all of Los Angeles County. Officials quickly clarified that evacuation orders were limited to specific zones.
“Evacuation orders have not changed,” the LA City Emergency Management Department tweeted. “See map for actual evacuation areas.”
The Firefighting Challenge
As the fires continue to rage, officials urge residents to heed evacuation orders and prioritize safety. The combination of high winds and dry conditions has created an extremely volatile and dangerous situation.