Crews were working tirelessly to stop the fires, one of which burned at least one home and threatened others in the Brentwood neighborhood. The stronger winds will likely hamper their efforts.
Latest Updates on California Wildfires
Los Angeles firefighters are racing to control multiple wildfires as strong winds on Saturday afternoon threatened to worsen the situation, with the death toll now at 16.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner reported that 11 people lost their lives in the Eaton fire near Pasadena, while five fatalities were confirmed in the Palisades fire on the west side of Los Angeles.
In Mandeville Canyon, a wealthy Brentwood enclave known for its multimillion-dollar homes and panoramic city views, the Palisades fire destroyed at least one home and threatened several others. Firefighting aircraft dropped pink flame retardant to aid crews battling the flames in the canyon.
As of Saturday, Cal Fire announced that crews had contained 11 percent of the 22,660-acre Palisades fire and 15 percent of the 14,000-acre Eaton fire. Combined, the fires have claimed 16 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and are now among the five most destructive wildfires in California history.
Interstate 405, which forms the eastern boundary of the Palisades fire evacuation zone, was partially closed by the California Department of Transportation as the fire intensified on Friday night.
What We’re Covering:
- Worsening Weather: High desert winds, known as the Santa Anas, surged across parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties on Saturday afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour in the mountains. Winds are expected to grow stronger overnight and into Sunday.
- Other Fires: Fire crews made progress on smaller blazes. The Kenneth fire near Calabasas, which burned over 1,000 acres, is now 80 percent contained, while the Hurst fire in the San Fernando Valley has reached 76 percent containment after burning 800 acres.
- Global Assistance: Canada and Mexico have deployed firefighting teams and resources to help tackle the wildfires. Canada also sent air tankers, following a precedent of international aid, as nearly 400 U.S. firefighters assisted Canada during its severe wildfire season in 2023.
- Victims: The deceased include a man in his 60s who lived in his childhood home and drove a bloodmobile, a retired aerospace engineer and church deacon, and a retired pharmacy technician described by neighbors as “an angel.” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that at least 13 people are still missing, though it’s unclear if all are linked to the fires.
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Extent of Damage: The combined area burned by the Eaton and Palisades fires exceeds the city limits of San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Boston, or Miami. Together, the fires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, ranging from vehicles to homes.
