Palisades, Eaton Fires Fully Contained After Weeks of Destruction

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has declared the Palisades and Eaton fires fully contained after nearly three and a half weeks of destruction across Southern California.

The fires, which began on January 7, claimed 29 lives – 17 in the Eaton fire and 12 in the Palisades fire, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

The Context

Multiple wildfires ignited in Southern California in January amid unnaturally dry conditions, including the two largest blazes in Los Angeles County, the Palisades and Eaton fires.

The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” warning on January 6, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to preemptively deploy state fire resources to Southern California.

Eaton fire — In an aerial view, some of the thousands of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire lie in ruins on January 29, 2025 in Altadena, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

What To Know

As of Saturday, the fires have been 100 percent fully contained and are no longer listed as active incidents on Cal Fire’s website.

The Palisades fire began as a brush fire in Pacific Palisades before exploding in size, ultimately consuming 23,448 acres and destroying 6,837 structures, with an additional 1,017 damaged. This inferno killed at least 12 people, both civilians and firefighters. More than 1,000 structures were damaged, and 6,837 structures were destroyed, including residential and commercial buildings. So far, there are four confirmed injuries.

The Eaton fire, which started later that evening in Los Angeles County, burned through 14,021 acres, with about 4,000 acres affecting urban and residential areas. This blaze killed at least 17 people, both citizens and fire personnel, Cal Fire said. There were nine confirmed injuries. More than 1,070 structures were damaged, and 9,418 structures were destroyed, including residential and commercial buildings.

The fires have also destroyed historic properties such as the Andrew McNally House and Zane Grey Estate.

What People Are Saying

Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler: “Rain showers across Southern California have greatly reduced current fire potential.”

Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair said in a statement: “I am incredibly grateful to the courageous firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to contain the Eaton Fire. Their hard work and perseverance is world class.”

Barger ended her statement by highlighting some lessons learned from the fires: “The Eaton Fire has taught us all that we must remain vigilant and prepare for the unimaginable.”