A map from AirNow suggests that the air quality around Los Angeles and Anaheim, California, is unhealthy as the Palisades fire continues to burn in Los Angeles County.
Why It Matters
The fire, determined to be the most destructive in Los Angeles city history, erupted on Tuesday and has scorched more than 11,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,000 structures and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
Smoke from the blaze has significantly worsened air quality statewide, with some areas reporting hazardous levels exceeding 500 on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
California has always been vulnerable to raging wildfires, but scientists have said that climate change has made them more frequent and more severe than they used to be. By the end of 2024, 8,024 wildfires had burned 1,050,012 acres of land across the state and killed one person, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
What Fires Are Near Los Angeles?
The wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have claimed five lives and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. The Palisades fire began on Tuesday and quickly escalated due to severe drought conditions and wind gusts. The National Weather Service described the situation as "life-threatening."
Additional fires that started later that day are nearby, including the Eaton fire near Pasadena and the Hurst fire in Sylmar.
Two new wildfires erupted overnight in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City, adding to the challenges faced by firefighters already.
Questions remain as to how the fires were ignited. President Joe Biden signed a federal emergency declaration.
What Is The Air Quality Like In Los Angeles Right Now?
The AQI measures air quality on a scale from 0 to 500, with readings below 50 considered "Good" and above 300 classified as "Hazardous," signaling emergency conditions where health risks are elevated for everyone. Residents in affected areas have been advised to stay indoors.
As of 2 p.m. EST, around Los Angeles, to Redondo Beach and from El Monte through Playa Visit, the air conditions are "unhealthy," which ranges from an AQI of 151 to 200, according to AirNow.
Around that area, past Santa Monica and growing toward Long Beach and Topanga, AirNow calls the region "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with an AQI of 101 to 150.
Images of the area show scorched earth and smoldering terrain across Los Angeles County. Plumes of smoke hover over neighborhoods.
The Palisades fire has triggered hazardous air quality in multiple counties across California. According to the U.S. AQI, Los Angeles County recorded levels of 178, while San Bernardino County reached 196. Fresno and Imperial counties registered levels of 127.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency over the current fires, and officials have warned that the worst may be yet to come.
What Is The Containment Status of the Los Angeles Area Fires?
The Pacific Palisades Fire, fueled by gusts of up to 100 miles per hour, is completely uncontained as of January 9. The Hurst fire is just 10 percent contained, according to CAL Fire.
Bass announced that the Sunset fire is now 100 percent contained.
What People Are Saying
California 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."
President-elect Donald Trump: "Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way."
What's Next
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, wind gusts up to 60 mph are expected to continue through Thursday, "potentially aiding in further fire activity and suppression efforts."
Get real-time updates, critical information and on-the-ground insights as California battles devastating wildfires with Newsweek's live blog.
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