Los Angeles Wildfires: Key Statistics One Year Later
One year following two significant wildfires that impacted Los Angeles County, available data details the rapid progression and resulting consequences. The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire both ignited on January 6, 2024, leading to extensive damage and fatalities across disparate areas of the county.
Conditions Leading to Ignition and Spread
On January 6, 2024, Red Flag warnings were issued for severe wildfire danger in Southern California. This was attributed to the presence of Santa Ana winds, with predicted gusts in mountain areas reaching speeds equivalent to 145 kilometers per hour. Vegetation was exceptionally dry due to a period of limited rainfall. The National Weather Service had issued warnings regarding a potentially life-threatening wind event, and firefighting resources were pre-positioned in areas identified as having a high risk of fire ignition.
Palisades Fire Progression
Reports of a small fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood commenced at 10:30 a.m. This incident occurred in the vicinity of a previously reported fire on January 1. By 11 a.m., the fire was estimated at approximately 10 acres (4 hectares) near Palisades Drive. Over the subsequent two hours, the fire expanded rapidly, necessitating an evacuation order for the Palisades and preparedness warnings for adjacent communities. Investigators later determined that this 37-square-mile (95-square-kilometer) blaze originated from the earlier January 1 fire.
Eaton Fire Progression
Concurrently, the Eaton Fire began at 6:17 p.m., approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of the Palisades in Altadena. Due to high winds, all firefighting aircraft in Los Angeles County were grounded. The Eaton Fire doubled in size by 8 p.m. This fire burned for a total of 12 days, encompassing 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) before being extinguished.
Combined Impact
The two fires collectively charred an estimated 155 square kilometers of land, an area comparable in size to the city of San Francisco.
- Fatalities: The Eaton Fire resulted in 19 deaths, and the Palisades Fire caused 12 deaths, totaling 31 fatalities.
- Structures Destroyed:
- In Altadena, the Eaton Fire destroyed 9,418 homes and other structures.
- In Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas, including Malibu, the Palisades Fire destroyed 6,837 buildings, predominantly residential properties.
- A combined total of 16,255 structures were destroyed across both fire zones.
Aftermath and Rebuilding Efforts
As of one year post-incident, rebuilding efforts have shown limited progress. City and county data indicate that three homes have been rebuilt: one in Pasadena and two in Pacific Palisades. No homes have been completed in Malibu, while several hundred more are currently under construction across the wider region.
Investigations and Aid
A 29-year-old male has been charged with sparking the Palisades Fire and has entered a plea of not guilty. The cause of the Eaton Fire remains under investigation. Governor Gavin Newsom requested federal disaster aid, which has not yet received approval from the Trump administration and Congress. Charitable commitments for Los Angeles fire relief range from $860 million to $970 million, with the majority of funds raised within the initial month following the fires. Individual donations facilitated through GoFundMe contributed $265 million to this total.