The fires across Los Angeles have killed at least 25 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures and charred 60 square miles January 7, 2025, since then a series of 30 wildfires have affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area and even surrounding regions four fires remain active, including the two largest. (palisades fire in pacific palisades and the Easton fire in Altadena)
The fires have been started by drought conditions, low humidity, a build-up of vegetation the previous winter, and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, which in some places have reached 100 miles per hour (160 km/h; 45 m/s). As of January 15, 2025, the wildfires have forced over 200,000 to evacuate, and destroyed or damaged more than 12,401 structures. The Palisades Fire was first reported on the morning of Tuesday. Jan. 7. Fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds, the fire exploded in size and within 24 hours had grown to nearly 3,000 acres, forcing rounds of evacuations.
Police Officials have not said what caused the fire, but in recent days investigators have found a ridgeline in western Los Angeles where the fire is believed to have started. The area is popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for trails that offer vistas of the Pacific Ocean and ritzy Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Photos taken this week show investigators walking through the ash-ridden area cordoned off by police tape.
News outlets reported that on New Year’s Day that area was the site of a wildfire that was ignited by fireworks the LA fire Department responded to the scene to contain the fire which grown eight acres even though nothing was damaged, and no injuries were reported according to the fire department some may think that the cause of the fires was from someone starting them around the neighborhood but this theory isn’t confirmed.