Devastating Fires in Southern California: Heartbreaking Photos Show Widespread Destruction
Devastating brush fires are sweeping across Southern California, claiming five lives and reducing thousands of buildings to ash. The LA Times reports three major fires happening as of Wednesday: The…
Over 500 firefighters have been deployed to fight the fires, CNN reports. Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on a burning home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California.
Justin Sullivan/Gett Images)Devastating brush fires are sweeping across Southern California, claiming five lives and reducing thousands of buildings to ash.
The LA Times reports three major fires happening as of Wednesday: The Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire. The Palisades Fire is the largest, scorching over 15,800 acres. The Eaton Fire has consumed more than 10,000 acres, while the Hurst Fire has burned 700 acres.
Officials have issued evacuation orders in Calabasas, Malibu, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre, NBC reports. And surrounding areas in the region have been told to "stay ready."
Fierce Santa Ana Winds Fuel Brush Fire's Relentless Spread
Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said the Eaton Fire was at 0% containment during a press conference around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. He also said this was the "worst case scenario."
The strong Santa Ana Winds in Southern California further helped the embers spread, aiding the fire to unfurl and grow rapidly, Chief Augustin said.
Iconic structures and buildings across Pacific Coast Highway have burnt completely, leaving steel exoskeletons and bare construction beams. NBC also reports a "preliminary review from J.P. Morgan's insurance analysts estimated that losses from the fires could top $10 billion."
24 school districts in Los Angeles County canceled classes and activities on Wednesday, and most likely will continue to cancel school until the fire is safely contained.
How To Help During California's Brush Fires
Countless people have lost their homes, thousands of animals need shelter and Californian staples have been scorched to unrecognizable scenes.
The LA Food Bank is working with agencies across the state to help disperse resources across fire departments and affected areas. To donate, click here.
To help support the Los Angeles Fire Department, you can also donate by clicking here.
Many animal shelters in Southern California have asked the public to help with donations and monetary support. The Pasadena Humane Society reports they've taken in over 100 animals since Tuesday night. To donate to the Human Society's wildfire relief, click here.
Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation. The Red Cross is on the ground in Southern California, helping the community to "make sure no one faces these intense and fast-moving wildfires alone."
An Eerie Sight
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Gett Images)ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: A car burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Sunset Boulevard between San Vicente and Crescent Heights Remains Closed
Apu Gomes/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
Iconic Structures on Pacific Coast Highway Burned Due To Brush Fire
Eric Thayer/Getty ImagesMALIBU, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: Firefighters battle flames from the Palisades Fire on January 8, 2025 in Malibu, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 2,900 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
Over 30,000 Residents Under Evacuation Orders
Apu Gomes/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: A man rides a bike while flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
5 Deaths Reported From Eaton Fires in Southern California
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Cars destroyed by the Eaton Fire sit in the parking area of a burned auto shop on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Two people have been killed, over 25,000 acres have burned, and 30,000 people have been evacuated. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Firefighters Battling The Hefty Blaze Across Southern California
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Los Angeles County firefighters battle the Eaton Fire on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Eaton Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has destroyed many homes and businesses. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Powerful Winds Fuel Multiple Fires Across Los Angeles Area
Justin Sullivan/Gett Images)ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on a burning home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Two people have been killed, over 25,000 acres have burned, and 30,000 people have been evacuated. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Officials Call Palisades Fire "One of the Worst" Fires in Californian History
Apu Gomes/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: Men use buckets of water to protect a home as the Palisades Fire burns amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
More Than 1,000 Structures Burnt
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesALTADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: A business burns as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Two people have been killed, over 25,000 acres have burned, and 30,000 people have been evacuated. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Over 30,000 Residents Under Evacuation Orders
Apu Gomes/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: A man rides a bike while flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
