Wildfires rage across greater L.A., spreading devastation

Updated 9 Jan.2025 at 10:00 a.m. EST

Out-of-control wildfires are raging across greater Los Angeles, killing at least five people, devouring neighborhoods and forcing the evacuation of at least 130,000 people as the blazes enter their third day.

“This firestorm is ‘the big one’ in magnitude,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said.

There are now five active wildfires burning in Los Angeles County, according to Cal Fire. The Palisades Fire, which has burned 17,234 acres, and the Eaton Fire, at 10,600 acres, are the largest.

The Sunset Fire has burned 60 acres since it started Wednesday in the Hollywood Hills, triggering large-scale evacuations in Hollywood. High wind speeds, which fueled the blazes, decreased overnight, but another wind surge is forecast for late Thursday into Friday, with gusts up to 60 mph.