Eaton Fire Map as California Blaze More Than Doubles in Size

The Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County has more than doubled in size in just a few hours.

The blaze, burning across Pasadena and Altadena, and now surrounding areas including Glendale and the Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, grew from 1,000 acres at midnight to 2,227 acres at 5 a.m. PST.

The Context

LA County, the most populated county in America, is fighting three major blazes: The Palisades, Hurst and Eaton fires.

The Palisades Fire is currently the biggest, at 2,921 acres. However, the rapid spread of the Eaton fire will place even more strain on the firefighters working to battle all three fires. The blaze poses an "immediate threat to life" to those living in evacuation zones.

The evacuation zone has expanded across Altadena/Pasadena in the past few hours. The Eaton fire is blazing due to high winds and low humidity. Genasys Project

What To Know

The Eaton Fire started at 6:23 p.m. on January 7 in Altadena/Pasadena.

The fire initially covered 400 acres but has now expanded across the area. According to the LA County Fire Department (LACoFD), the spread is due to high winds, low humidity and dry fuels.

The LACoFD said the winds in the area pose "a significant threat to nearby communities" and have made efforts to contain the fire challenging.

All public schools in Pasadena will be closed on January 8 due to the fire, and federal assistance is being sent to the area to help battle the rapidly developing and uncontained blaze.

According to footage from Los Angeles news station ABC7, the Eaton blaze has destroyed an assisted living facility and nursing home in the area.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced around 1 a.m. that "hundreds of additional firefighters are headed south to join 1,400+ boots already on the ground."

Newsom also announced that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds have been secured to help those affected by the fires burning across the county.

Firefighters battle the Eaton fire as its burns in Sierra Madre, California, on January 8. Inset: Evacuation zone in Altadena/Pasadena. Ringo Chiu/Associated Press, Genasys Project

What People Are Saying

Governor Gavin Newsom, in a statement: "We are moving rapidly to support state and local law enforcement and firefighters to respond to the Eaton Fire threatening Altadena and Pasadena as extremely critical fire weather continues in Southern California. To all those in the region, remain vigilant and listen to local authorities."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, on X, formerly Twitter: "Thank you to all the crews working tirelessly to respond and protect life and property."

What Happens Next

The three major fires are continuing to blaze with zero containment. Firefighters expect the high Santa Ana winds and low humidity in LA County will make it very difficult to immediately contain the fires.