California Wildfire Maps Update as Blazes More Contained

The Palisades and Eaton fires, the two biggest wildfires currently burning in Los Angeles, are now 22 percent and 55 percent contained, respectively, after more than a week of firefighters dedicating resources to combat the flames.

The Context

Both fires ignited last week during Santa Ana winds, in which strong winds blowing toward the ocean provided an ideal environment for rapid fire spread. The fire causes are still under investigation, according to an update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Flames from the Palisades and Eaton fires have expanded to over 37,000 acres. At least 25 people have been killed, and thousands of structures have been destroyed.

Other fires have also been ignited, including the Hurst fire and Auto fire, which are 98 percent contained and 85 percent contained, respectively.

What To Know

The strongest winds have died down, and nearly all red flag warnings have been lifted. The calming conditions have allowed firefighters to make more progress against the flames.

Los Angeles Wildfires Containment

Of the three active wildfires burning in Los Angeles, firefighters have brought the Palisades fire to 22 percent containment, the Eaton fire to 55 percent containment, and the Hurst fire to 98 percent containment.

The Auto fire in Ventura County is at 85 percent containment.

Wildfire Containment Meaning

Containment happens when firefighters extinguish the flames, use fire suppression tactics, and confirm that there are no active hotspots or smoldering within the containment perimeter.

Wildfire Risk Map California

The Palisades fire is the largest at 23,713 acres. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

As of the most recent Cal Fire update, the Eaton fire has grown to 14,117 acres. Some of the evacuation orders and warnings associated with the fire also remain in place.

The Hurst fire is significantly smaller than the other two at 799 acres. It also is the most contained. No evacuation orders or warnings remain in place.

When Did The California Wildfires Start?

The Palisades fire ignited on January 7 at 10:30 a.m. PST. The Eaton fire sparked at 6:18 p.m. and the Hurst fire at 10:29 p.m.

California Wildfires Causes: What We Know

The cause of all three wildfires burning in Los Angeles County remains under investigation, according to Cal Fire. Several conspiracy theories have spread across the internet.

Utility company Southern California Edison was named in multiple lawsuits on Monday over the company equipment’s alleged role in starting the Eaton fire.

One lawsuit was filed by lawyers on behalf of a homeowner who lost their home to the flames. Another, filed by Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, stated, “the Eaton Fire was ignited because of Edison’s failure to de-energize its overhead wires which traverse Eaton Canyon-despite a red flag PDS wind warning.”

Wildfires are most frequently caused by humans. They also can have natural causes.

What People Are Saying

Cal Fire, in an update about the Palisades fire: “Weather conditions return to seasonally normal, and fire is expected to remain within the current perimeter with no additional growth anticipated. With the returning Santa Ana winds Monday, widespread critical fire weather conditions remain present.”

What’s Next

Although most red flag warnings have expired, meteorologists have expressed concern that strong winds will return.

National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell told Newsweek that Los Angeles was expecting more red flag warnings to be issued for Monday and Tuesday next week. He warned that conditions could become favorable to rapid fire spread.