Four wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, have claimed two lives as of Wednesday morning. Combined, the blazes have spread to roughly 5,700 acres in size.
Why It Matters
The Palisades Fire, which erupted on Tuesday, rapidly ballooned in size to cover more than 2,900 acres. Two new blazes—the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar—also erupted late Tuesday. By Wednesday, a fourth, the Woodley Fire, had ignited in Los Angeles County.
Thousands of people have evacuated the blazes, and 386,000 people are without power. A state of emergency has been declared. Many schools have closed.
What to Know
The Santa Ana winds that exacerbated fire conditions across Southern California on Tuesday are expected to continue on Wednesday. Weather-related warnings including red flag warnings and high wind warnings are expected to remain in effect throughout the day.
Pacific Palisades Fire
As of the most recent update from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the Pacific Palisades Fire is more than 2,900 acres in size and 0 percent contained. It is the largest of the four Los Angeles County fires.
Evacuation boundaries have to spread north to Mulholland Road, east to Kenter Road and south to Pacific Coast Highway.
Several injuries, both to civilians and firefighters, have been reported.
Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire is the second largest fire burning in the county and has claimed two lives. It has surpassed 2,200 acres and is 0 percent contained.
Evacuation orders and warnings are widespread and generally include the area north of East Pasadena and east of North Verdugo Road.
Hurst Fire
The Hurst Fire is around 500 acres in size with a "rapid rate of spread," according to LAFD. The fire is burning within the footprint of the historic Saddleridge Fire.
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place north of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5/14 Freeway split.
Woodley Fire
The Woodley Fire is the most recent fire to start. According to a webpage from CAL FIRE, the fire has spread to 75 acres. No evacuation orders have been issued, according to the webpage.
What People Are Saying
LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart told Newsweek: The westerly winds could contribute to further spread of the Palisades Fire.
CAL FIRE in a webpage about the Woodley Fire: The fire has grown to approximately 75 acres and is being driven south by strong winds. Incident Command reports that it poses a threat of crossing Burbank Boulevard. Crews are actively working to contain the fire and protect structures in the affected area.
What Happens Next
The Santa Ana winds are expected to die down today, potentially giving firefighters a better chance at combatting the flames.
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