LA fires containment update: Firefighters make gains as windy conditions ease
LOS ANGELES - Firefighters battling the massive and deadly wildfires burning around Los Angeles made significant gains on Wednesday, thanks to the windy weather easing up.
While the "Particularly Dangerous Situation" red-flag warning expired, forecasters said gusty winds could linger into early Thursday – mostly in the mountains. Temperatures were predicted to drop, and a deep marine layer was expected to move in over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.
At least 25 people have been killed in the fires burning in and around Los Angeles, and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed across the region.
An aerial view of a fire truck passing beachfront homes that burned in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on Jan. 15, 2025, in Malibu, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Status of LA fires
- Palisades Fire: 23,713 acres burned, 21% contained
- Eaton Fire: 14,117 acres burned, 45% contained
- Hurst Fire: 799 acres burned, 98% contained
- Auto Fire: 61 acres burned, 85% contained
- Little Mountain Fire: 34 acres burned, 0% contained
LA wind forecast
What they're saying:
Forecasters said the Santa Ana winds could return early next week.
"Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week," the weather service posted on social media Wednesday afternoon. "Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected."
Arrests in LA fires
By the numbers:
Since the beginning of the outbreak on Jan. 7, authorities have arrested about half a dozen people accused of setting new, small fires that were quickly knocked down.
One suspect admitted starting a fire in a tree "because he liked the smell of burning leaves," Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. Another said "she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction," the chief said Wednesday.
In total, there have been nearly 100 arrests that included charges of burglary, looting, vandalism, and curfew violations in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles.
The Source: This story was reported using information from the Los Angeles Police Department, Cal Fire, the National Weather Service, and FOX 11 Los Angeles. It was reported from Cincinnati, and the Associated Press contributed.