Eaton Fire containment continues to grow after 17 killed amid widespread destruction
Firefighting efforts continue on the Eaton Fire that has burned over 14,000 acres and killed at least 17 people as the area continues to see improving weather conditions.
There has been no growth in the fire and it has remained at 14,117 acres for nearly two weeks, since it reached that size the evening of Jan. 10, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. Firefighters have continued making progress over the last few days, with containment on the blaze reaching 95% by early Wednesday evening.
Still, Angeles National Forest officials advised that the area would be closed through at least Friday.
The Eaton Fire sparked just hours after the Palisades Fire started in the coastal west LA communities of Pacific Palisades and Malibu on Jan. 7. The LA County Medical Examiner has reported 25 deaths in connection with both the Eaton and Palisades fires.
On Thursday, the Medical Examiner confirmed 17 deaths in just the Eaton Fire, most of them in the hard-hit community of Altadena, which is located in an area of northeast LA County just north of Pasadena. The Medical Examiner has identified two of the victims.
The wildfire devasted entire neighborhoods in the Altadena and Pasadena areas. Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said it has damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 structures. It has already become one of the five most destructive wildfires in the state, according to Cal Fire.
In a sign of progress, mandatory evacuation orders in Pasadena were reduced to a warning Wednesday afternoon. More progress is expected to continue as weather conditions improve starting Thursday and through the weekend, with high winds and red flag warnings not expected to return to the Southern California region until early next week.
"Calmer overnight and early morning winds reduced fire activity allowing firefighters to make good progress in securing containment lines," Cal Fire said an update Thursday morning, saying overnight fire activity was "limited to smoldering, creeping, and rollouts in heavy fuels."
"Today, air support continues to be used to extinguish inaccessible hot spots, aiding containment efforts," the update continues.
According to Cal Fire, dry conditions will continue Thursday but there will be "mild winds," with moist marine air and moderate onshore winds — bringing some much-needed humidity — that will build Friday and into the weekend.
Earlier Thursday, a red flag warning was in effect for the western San Gabriel Mountains, near Altadena and Pasadena, with forecasters warning of strong gusts and dry conditions. But that weather advisory expired by the afternoon.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust and ash advisory that was to remain in effect through 7 p.m. Wednesday. Public health officials were worried wind gusts could spread harmful ash particles.
Although the wind event this week was weaker than the "life-threatening" windstorm that took place when the Eaton Fire started, Marrone assured the public Wednesday that crews were prepared and ready if new flames broke out.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said earlier this week no new human remains were discovered by crews while the sheriff's department continues to search through debris. On Thursday morning, authorities confirmed 24 people were still missing.
Luna said they are hoping not to find any more human remains, but it is very probable they will.
The LAFD has completed 45% of damage inspections, Marrone said Wednesday. By Saturday, Cal Fire reported that more than 90% of inspections were complete.
Los Angeles County officials have provided preliminary maps showing damage assessments for both the Eaton and Palisades fires. Marrone said the maps are updated daily as crews make progress.
The color-coded maps show structures that have been destroyed, structures with major to minor damage, those affected and those with no damage. People can visit recovery.lacounty.gov to view the maps.
Eaton Fire breaks out
The Eaton Fire was first reported around 6 p.m. Tuesday near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive about Altadena, according to Cal Fire and LACoFD firefighters.
The fire spread quickly on the hillsides forcing homeowners to flee. Footage from residents showed homes and businesses completely engulfed in flames.
Embers driven by wind gusts expanded the burn area. Within two days, by Thursday afternoon, the fire had made "significant progress," north toward Mt. Wilson. No buildings or observatory staff were harmed, Marrone said.
Cal Fire said six firefighters have been injured. It is unclear how the firefighters were injured. Thursday afternoon, LA County Fire said one of its firefighters was hospitalized in stable condition.
Evacuation orders and curfew
On Wednesday, Luna said 82,400 residents remain under evacuation orders and 90,400 remain under evacuation warnings for the Eaton and Palisades fires.
An estimated 331,335 people have been affected by evacuation advisories because of the fires, when taking into account U.S. Census Bureau figures combined with information from local fire authorities. For perspective, 331,335 people can fill SoFi Stadium three times over.
Marrone has said at several news conferences that repopulation into fire zones will not take place until areas are clear and deemed safe.
"Please be assured that we will continue to battle these wildfires from the air and on the ground until they are fully contained. We stand alongside all of you as we begin repopulation of evacuated areas," Marrone said.
The Pasadena Convention Center was converted into an evacuation shelter where people can also access critical resources.
The Pasadena Humane Society is accepting small animals affected by the fire. The Industry Hills Expo Center and Pomona Fairplex are accepting large animals.
A curfew was issued last week in mandatory evacuation zones to prevent looting and other crimes while residents remain out of their homes. Luna requested assistance from National Guard members to increase security patrols. He said 36 people have been arrested in or near the Eaton Fire zone.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has made it clear his office will not take any crimes committed in the fire-impacted zones lightly. He said anyone arrested in those areas will be prosecuted and charged to the full extent of the law.
A full list of evacuation orders can be viewed at fire.ca.gov.
School closures
The Pasadena Unified School District has been closed since the start of the Eaton Fire. District schools will remain closed until Friday.
"My heart goes out to everyone impacted by these devastating fires. Please know that we are here to support you and that our community's safety and well-being remain our highest priorities," the PUSD said.
Students depending on school meals were told that their Grab & Go meals would be available at Madison Elementary School, located on Ashtabula Street, McKinley School on Oak Knoll Avenue, or Willard on Madre Street.
The Glendale Unified School District closed all its schools until Jan. 10. On Monday, students were welcomed back on campuses.
Road closures
Federal assistance and executive orders
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced they approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the wildfires. President Joe Biden also approved a Major Disaster Declaration.
"At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 8,200 homes in and around Altadena and Pasadena, California, population 40,000," said the statement from FEMA.
FEMA offers resources for residents in fire-affected areas, visit disasterassistance.gov to apply.
Newsom has signed several executive orders since the start of the wildfires to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and to speed up debris removal.
--
Have a tip about the Southern California wildfires? Send it to CBS News Los Angeles and KCAL News.