Los Angeles Wildfires LIVE Updates: Fire investigation under way in Los Angeles as curfew takes effect

With their Los Angeles-area homes still smoldering, families return to search the ruins for memories

Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock.

Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persists and the nation's second-largest city remains unsettled. For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds enabled firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes in metropolitan LA on Friday before gusty weather returns over the weekend to an area that hasn’t seen rain in more than eight months. But by Friday evening, new evacuations were ordered in an area that includes part of Interstate 405 after a flare up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw her house in Altadena erupt in flames on television, returned for the first time with her family two days later “just to make it real.”

Their feet crunched across the broken bits of what had been their home for 16 years.

Rubble, flames and devastated people captured in images as Los Angeles ravaged by wildfires

After five days of urban wildfires, on Saturday Los Angeles, the city internationally known for its movie industry, looked like the set of a war movie. Ongoing battle

Despite the destruction and emotional rollercoaster being lived by LA residents, the fires were far from over. Scenes of flames were everywhere, as many areas continued to burn all but unabated.

Los Angeles investigates fire blame as curfew enforced

Californians on Friday demanded to know who is at fault for the vast devastation caused by the raging Los Angeles wildfires, as a strict curfew went into force to prevent looting and lawlessness.

At least 11 people died as flames ripped through neighborhoods and razed thousands of homes in a disaster that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene."

While Angelenos grapple with the heart-rending ruin, anger has risen over officials' preparedness and response, particularly for a series of false evacuation alarms and after hydrants ran dry as firefighters battled the initial blazes.

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered a "full independent review" of the city's utilities, describing the lack of water supplies during the initial fires as "deeply troubling."

"We need answers to how that happened," he wrote in an open letter.

As LA burns, criticisms and questions about response arise

The speed and intensity of the blazes ravaging Los Angeles this week have put its firefighting infrastructure to the test -- and given rise to questions and criticism surrounding preparedness.

Hydrants ran dry in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood as it was ravaged by one of the region's five separate fires, while water shortages additionally hampered efforts elsewhere.

"We need answers to how that happened," California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote in a letter to the heads of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles County Public Works.

Calling the lack of water and water pressure "deeply troubling," Newsom directed state officials to prepare an independent report on the causes.

Chris Sheach, assistant professor of disaster management at Paul Smith's College in New York state, told AFP part of the problem is that the city's fire-fighting infrastructure wasn't designed for enormous multi-acre conflagrations.

Pope saddened by loss of life, expresses spiritual closeness over destruction of LA fires

Pope Francis on Saturday expressed his sadness over the havoc caused by the giant California wildfires and expressed his spiritual closeness with the victims in a telegram to the archbishop of Los Angeles.

"Saddened by the loss of life and the widespread destruction," the pontiff expressed his "spiritual closeness" with the victims, Vatican number two Pietro Parolin wrote in the telegram.

Devastating LA fires expected to push up insurance premiums

The fires ravaging upmarket Los Angeles districts Pacific Palisades and Malibu will be the most expensive ever to hit California, according to experts, who expect premiums to rise in a region already abandoned by many insurers.

Analysts at JPMorgan estimated that the total cost of damage and insured damage had doubled in less than 24 hours to $50 billion and $20 billion respectively. And the flames were still advancing on several fronts Friday.

These record levels already far outstrip the 2017 Tubbs fire and the 2018 Camp fire, whose estimates of insured damage have climbed, according to sources, to as much as $16 billion.

The value of the houses makes all the difference: At this stage, more than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed this week, the vast majority of them homes worth an average of $3 million.

By comparison, some 18,000 buildings were destroyed in the Camp fire in 2018, but the average house was only around $500,000.

Los Angeles Wildfires: As Los Angeles combusts, 2024 is declared Earth's hottest on record

The year 2024 was the world's warmest on record globally, and the first calendar year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above its pre-industrial levels.

The official declaration was made on Friday by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European Union's Earth observation program. It comes as wildfires continue to tear through Los Angeles, California – a disaster scientists say was made worse by climate change.

This record-breaking global heat is primarily driven by humanity's ongoing greenhouse gas emissions, caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The warming won't stop until we reach net-zero emissions.

Clearly, the need for humanity to rapidly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions has never been more urgent.

With their Los Angeles-area homes still smoldering, families return to search the ruins for memories

Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock.

Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nation's second-largest city remained unsettled. For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds enabled firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes in metropolitan LA on Friday before gusty weather returns over the weekend to an area that hasn’t seen rain in more than eight months. But by Friday evening, new evacuations were ordered in an area that includes part of Interstate 405 after a flare up on the eastern side of the Palisades Fire.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, came back for the first time with her family two days later “just to make it real.”

Their feet crunched across the broken bits of what had been their home for 16 years.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Southern California is extremely dry, and that's fueling fires

Dry conditions across Southern California set the stage for a series of deadly wind-driven wildfires that burned thousands of homes and other structures in the Los Angeles area in early January 2025.

Ming Pan, a hydrologist at the University of California-San Diego's Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, tracks the state's water supplies. He put Southern California's dryness into perspective using charts and maps.

How dry is Southern California right now?

In early January, the soil moisture in much of Southern California was in the bottom 2% of historical records for that day in the region. That's extremely low.

Hydrologists in California watch the sky very closely starting in October, when California's water year begins.

The state gets very little rain from May through September, so late fall and winter are crucial to fill reservoirs and to build up the snowpack to provide water. California relies on the Sierra snowpack for about one-third of its freshwater supply.

However, Southern California started out the 2024-25 water year pretty dry. The region got some rain from an atmospheric river in November, but not much. After that, most of the atmospheric rivers that hit the West Coast from October into January veered northward into Washington, Oregon and Northern California instead.

Los Angeles Wildfires: California governor calls for independent probe on loss of water pressure fire hydrants as wildfires continue to rage across the state

Taking to X, California governor Gavin Newsom said, "I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir."

"We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to fight these catastrophic fires," he added.

The Los Angeles wildfires have left at least 11 dead, with six in the Eaton Fire and five in the Palisades Fire. Five of the total fatalities were residents of a tight-knit neighborhood in Altadena, located near the city's eastern edge. Bordering Angeles National Forest, the area is home to families who have lived there for generations. Here are the details of these five victims that have recently emerged.

The Los Angeles fires, which began on Tuesday, have left many in shock as they witness firsthand the staggering destruction caused by the raging infernos. As firefighters continue battling the flames and strong winds persist, the scale of the disaster remains overwhelming.

The fires have already consumed over 12,000 homes and structures across a densely populated 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch north of downtown Los Angeles. At least 11 lives have been claimed, with fears the death toll will rise as rescue operations intensify.

Four days after flames ravaged the areas around Los Angeles, residents are returning to what remains of their neighborhoods, still smoldering from the devastating fires.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Families in shock begin to visit their charred homes in the Los Angeles area

Many watched their homes burn on television in a state of shock.

Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nation's second-largest city remained unsettled. For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

Calmer winds enabled firefighters to start gaining some control of the biggest blazes in metropolitan LA on Friday before gusty weather returns over the weekend to an area that hasn’t seen rain in more than eight months.

Bridget Berg, who was at work when she saw on TV her house in Altadena erupt in flames, came back for the first time with her family two days later “just to make it real.”

Their feet crunched across the broken bits of what had been their home for 16 years.

Her kids sifted through debris on the sidewalk, finding a clay pot and a few keepsakes as they searched for Japanese wood prints they hoped to recover. Her husband pulled his hand out of rubble near the still-standing fireplace, holding up a piece of petrified wood handed down by his grandmother.

“It’s OK. It’s OK,” Berg said as much to herself as others as she took stock of the destruction, remembering the deck and pool from which her family watched fireworks. “It’s not like we just lost our house — everybody lost their house.”

Los Angeles Wildfires: 11 people confirmed dead in Los Angeles

At least 11 people have been killed, with five from the Palisades Fire and six from the Eaton Fire, according to the LA County medical examiner’s office. Officials said they expected that number to rise as cadaver dogs go through leveled neighborhoods to assess the devastation to an area larger than San Francisco.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Devastating LA fires expected to push up insurance premiums

The fires ravaging upmarket Los Angeles districts Pacific Palisades and Malibu will be the most expensive ever to hit California, according to experts, who expect premiums to rise in a region already abandoned by many insurers.

Analysts at JPMorgan estimated that the total cost of damage and insured damage had doubled in less than 24 hours to $50 billion and $20 billion respectively. And the flames were still advancing on several fronts Friday.

These record levels already far outstrip the 2017 Tubbs fire and the 2018 Camp fire, whose estimates of insured damage have climbed, according to sources, to as much as $16 billion.

The value of the houses makes all the difference: At this stage, more than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed this week, the vast majority of them homes worth an average of $3 million.

By comparison, some 18,000 buildings were destroyed in the Camp fire in 2018, but the average house was only around $500,000.

David Burt, the founder and director of DeltaTerra, a consultancy firm specializing in climate-related financial risks, estimates that the market value of the 15,400 homes in Pacific Palisades is close to $13.5 billion.

Los Angeles Wildfires: US vice president Kamala Harris cancels final trip abroad due to California wildfires

Vice President Kamala Harris has canceled her final foreign trip of her term due to the wildfires in California, her office announced on Thursday.

Her decision comes after President Joe Biden also canceled his trip to Rome to meet with Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, choosing instead to remain in Washington.

Harris had been scheduled to visit Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany from January 13 to 17.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Fire weather risk to continue in LA through early next week

The risk of high fire weather will persist through Friday, according to a social media post from the National Weather Service in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon.

Santa Ana winds will be moderate to strong Thursday night, keeping the fire threat focused on Los Angeles and Ventura County into early Friday morning.

“The danger doesn’t end after Friday,” the post warned. Offshore winds will continue into early next week, with peak conditions expected on Sunday and again Tuesday into Wednesday.

Los Angeles Wildfires: NFL moves Rams’ playoff game to Arizona due to LA wildfires

The NFL has moved the Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

The game will now take place on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals.

Although the fires aren’t near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the NFL made the decision due to concerns about air quality and the impact on local first responders and the community.

Los Angeles Wildfires: More than 10,000 structures burned between the Eaton and Palisades fires

More than 5,300 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during a media briefing on Thursday afternoon.

The Eaton Fire has already destroyed over 5,000 structures, according to officials. These numbers could change as more mapping and surveying of the affected areas is carried out.

Los Angeles Wildfires: 5,000 structures destroyed as Palisades fire burns across 81 square kilometres

The Palisades Fire, which has engulfed 81 square kilometres of upscale neighbourhoods, including the Pacific Palisades area, has destroyed 5,000 structures and claimed at least two lives. The financial toll is staggering, with damages estimated at up to $150 billion due to the destruction of luxury homes. The neighbourhood of Hollywood, initially evacuated due to the Sunset Fire, was spared after the blaze was controlled.

Los Angeles wildfires: As fires rage authorities confront looting and chaos

As fires rage, authorities are tackling a wave of looting in affected areas. At least 20 arrests have been made for theft, prompting the deployment of the National Guard and the enforcement of a nighttime curfew. Residents and officials are battling not just the flames but the chaos that has followed, as communities face unprecedented levels of destruction and upheaval.

Los Angeles wildfires: Los Angeles wildfires leave a trail of destruction

The raging wildfires across Los Angeles County have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed over 10,000 buildings, and forced the evacuation of 180,000 people since Tuesday. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, the two largest blazes, remain out of control, with over 145 square kilometres of residential areas consumed. Authorities are urging residents to comply with evacuation orders as firefighters battle to contain the flames.

Los Angeles wildfires: Supporting first responders and communities impacted by wildfires

Firefighters and emergency responders are receiving aid from the California Fire Foundation, which assists families of fallen firefighters and communities devastated by fires. The organisation Watch Duty offers real-time updates on wildfire activity and has seen a surge in app downloads, relying on donations and volunteers to provide life-saving information.

Los Angeles wildfires: Organisations offering support to children affected by LA fires

Children affected by the devastating Los Angeles fires have access to specialised support from organisations like Project Camp and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu. Project Camp is setting up trauma-informed pop-up day camps to provide stability for displaced children, while the Boys and Girls Clubs are offering free counselling and resource referrals to impacted families. Both organisations are accepting donations and volunteers to aid their efforts.

Los Angeles wildfires: Wind lull offers hope in Los Angeles fires

Winds were expected to ease around Los Angeles on Friday, aiding efforts to combat five major wildfires that have caused widespread devastation. At least 10 people have died as the fires destroyed thousands of homes, with damage estimates ranging from $135 billion to $150 billion. Thousands of residents, like Hester Callul, have lost everything, while fears of looting have led Governor Gavin Newsom to deploy the National Guard and enforce a curfew.

The fires have scorched over 35,000 acres, with the largest blaze affecting Pacific Palisades, a wealthy neighbourhood, and threatening infrastructure in Altadena. A fire near Calabasas, home to celebrities like Kim Kardashian, added to the chaos. Despite some containment efforts, many areas remain under threat.

The devastation has left residents heartbroken, with some like Kalen Astoor returning to find their homes destroyed. In Malibu, high-value properties were reduced to ruins, with socialite Paris Hilton among those affected. The fires have disrupted life for millions, with schools closed, power outages, and events cancelled. Meteorologists warned that while the wind would calm temporarily, dry conditions and strong winds would return, exacerbating the ongoing crisis linked to climate change.

Los Angeles wildfires: Winter storm plods into the Deep South, prompting states of emergency and school closures

A severe winter storm, which brought substantial snowfall and icy conditions across Texas and Oklahoma, moved towards the southern United States on Friday. The severe weather conditions led state governors to declare emergencies and caused widespread school closures throughout the region.

In Arkansas, Governor Sarah Sanders deployed the National Guard to assist stranded drivers. Educational institutions suspended classes for numerous students across southern states, spanning from Texas to Georgia and extending to South Carolina.

The National Weather Service predicted significant snowfall on Friday across northern Arkansas and Tennessee, with accumulations between 6 to 9 inches (about 15 to 22 centimetres) in certain areas.

Arkansas experienced snowfall up to a foot (about 31 centimetres), resulting in continued school closures on Friday. Memphis, Tennessee, recorded six inches of snow from Thursday night into Friday morning, with heavy, wet snow continuing to fall.

The storm system produced hazardous travel conditions in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, where a combination of sleet, snow and ice affected the region.

In Atlanta, twelve-year-old Mikayla Johnson spent her school-free day creating snow angels and snowmen.

'Nighttime curfew imposed in Los Angeles fire areas,' sheriff announces

Los Angeles County has implemented a night-time restriction in regions affected by catastrophic fires that have caused extensive damage, according to Sheriff Robert Luna's announcement on Friday.

"You cannot be in these affected areas. If you are, you are subject to arrest," he told a press conference. "We're doing it to protect the structures, the houses that people have left because we ordered them to leave."

Los Angeles wildfires: Drone flying over fire areas remains illegal and dangerous, warns fire chief

Evacuation orders and warnings for the Kenneth Fire in Los Angeles County have been lifted, according to Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. Additionally, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Perrone confirmed that the super scooper damaged by a drone will be back in operation by Monday. He emphasised that flying drones over the fire area is both dangerous and illegal, with offenders facing prosecution.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reassured residents, stating that firefighters are tirelessly working to extinguish fires in areas like Pacoima, Hollywood, and Studio City. She called on Angelenos to unite in the face of the crisis.

Meanwhile, officials apologised for erroneous emergency messages sent via the Wireless Emergency Alert System. L.A. County Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin McGowan expressed deep regret over the confusion caused, explaining that the alerts were automated and that his team is investigating the cause.

Los Angeles wildfires: Firefighters hope for a break from fierce winds fueling devastating blazes in Los Angeles area

Firefighters hoped for a break from the fierce winds fuelling massive wildfires in Los Angeles on Friday, following days of devastation. Since Tuesday, the fires have killed 10 people, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and ravaged communities across a 40-kilometre stretch north of downtown LA. Entire neighbourhoods, including Pacific Palisades and Malibu, have been flattened, leaving little more than smouldering rubble.

Though winds were expected to ease by evening, meteorologist Rich Thompson warned they could intensify again by Sunday, hindering firefighting efforts. New fires continued to erupt, including the Kenneth Fire near a school sheltering evacuees.

The destruction has been overwhelming, with over 5,000 structures lost in the Eaton Fire alone. In the Palisades, the largest fire, more than 5,300 buildings have been destroyed. Historic landmarks, schools, and churches have also been burned. With total damage estimates reaching $135-$150 billion, the fires are poised to become the most costly in LA's history.

The human toll is also heavy, with at least 10 confirmed deaths, including those of a disabled father and son. Thousands remain evacuated, and schools have been closed due to hazardous smoke. The California National Guard has been deployed to protect properties, while looting arrests have increased. Celebrities, including Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, are among those who have lost their homes.

Los Angeles wildfires: Los Angeles wildfires in figures

Since Tuesday, wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, the destruction of 10,000 buildings, and the evacuation of 180,000 people. The fires have caused an estimated $150 billion in damage.

There are currently five active blazes. The largest, the Palisades Fire in the northwest, has burned 81 square kilometres (31 square miles), tearing through the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. The Eaton Fire, burning 55 square kilometres in Altadena, is also out of control. Smaller fires, including the Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia fires, have been partially contained.

The fires have consumed nearly 36,000 acres (145 square kilometres), though smaller in size compared to previous Californian wildfires, they are more deadly and destructive due to their location in residential areas.

At least 10 people have died, with several fatalities in the Palisades and Eaton Fires. The fires have destroyed at least 10,000 structures, including up to 5,000 homes in the Palisades and 4,000 to 5,000 in Eaton.

Authorities have evacuated 180,000 people and issued a curfew as looting has occurred, resulting in 20 arrests. The fires, with their widespread damage, are on track to become the most expensive in history, with damages estimated at $135-150 billion.

Los Angeles wildfires: Man holding a garden hose and father at his son's bedside are among the LA fire victims

Devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings. Among the deceased were four individuals from Altadena, a diverse community near Pasadena with a significant multi-generational Black population. Two of the victims were Anthony Mitchell and his son Justin.

Anthony Mitchell, aged 67 and an amputee, alongside his son Justin, who suffered from cerebral palsy, were awaiting ambulance transport.
"They didn't make it out," said Mitchell's daughter, Hajime White.

According to White, officials informed the family that Mitchell was discovered next to his son's bed in Altadena. The Washington Post indicated that the family believes Mitchell was attempting to rescue his son, who was in his early twenties.

"He was not going to leave his son behind. No matter what," White said. White, residing in Warren, Arkansas, and Justin's step-sister, recounted that her father telephoned her Wednesday morning about evacuating from the approaching fire. "Then he said, 'I've got to go — the fire's in the yard,'" she recalled Thursday.

White mentioned that another son in his twenties, who also resided with them, was hospitalised at the time, and no carers were present. She added, "It's very hard. It's like a ton of bricks just fell on me."

Los Angeles wildfires: Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles

Los Angeles wildfires: Winds that have fueled LA fires are expected to calm, giving firefighters a chance to corral flames

On Friday, emergency responders anticipated a respite from the strong winds that have intensified substantial fires in the Los Angeles region, resulting in 10 fatalities, destroying complete communities and causing distress in America's second-largest city.

Since Tuesday, the fires have consumed over 10,000 residential and commercial structures across a heavily populated area spanning 25 miles (40 kilometres) north of central Los Angeles. The primary causes of the major fires remain undetermined.

The scale of destruction has been unprecedented, even for a state accustomed to significant wildfires. The scenic Pacific Palisades area has been reduced to smouldering ruins across numerous blocks. In the adjacent Malibu area, only charred palm trees remain standing amidst the remnants of former beachfront residences.

Additional fires continue to emerge. The Kenneth Fire ignited on Thursday afternoon in the San Fernando Valley, merely 2 miles (3 kilometres) from a school sheltering evacuees from another blaze. Whilst it spread to adjacent Ventura County, swift and substantial firefighting efforts prevented further expansion.

Prior to this latest outbreak, officials had expressed optimism as firefighters, supported by calmer conditions and assistance from external crews, showed initial success in containing the region's two severe wildfires.

Fire risk alerts remain active through Friday afternoon, although wind speeds have decreased compared to earlier in the week when gale-force gusts spread embers, igniting hillsides. This reduction might assist firefighting efforts, although meteorologist Rich Thompson cautioned this improvement might be temporary.

Los Angeles wildfires: Flames, smoke and smoldering homes as firefighters battle wildfires in Southern California

Los Angeles experienced severe wildfires that continued into their fourth day on Friday. Whilst firefighters battled to extinguish the flames in certain regions, some residents were permitted to return to their properties, only to discover their homes reduced to ashes. The situation remained critical.

Throughout Los Angeles, the fires continued to spread largely unchecked, whilst residents attempted to maintain their daily routines amidst the chaos. People were observed carrying on with their activities, including cycling and walking past burning structures, despite the dangerous conditions.

In areas where evacuation orders had been lifted, residents encountered devastating scenes. The morning light revealed the extent of destruction, with buildings reduced to blackened remains. One property's remnants included a damaged outdoor fireplace adjacent to a pool, its water contaminated with ash. Emotional scenes unfolded as couples surveyed their destroyed homes, whilst others stood guard over their severely damaged properties, shielding their faces from the smoke and debris.

Los Angeles wildfires: Earth records hottest year ever in 2024 and the jump was so big it breached a key threshold

In 2024, Earth recorded its hottest year ever, surpassing previous temperature records and briefly crossing a significant climate threshold. The global average temperature exceeded the 1.5°C (2.7°F) warming limit set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement. The European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Service, the UK's Meteorology Office, and Japan’s weather agency reported temperature increases of up to 1.6°C (2.89°F) compared to pre-industrial times, with the highest temperature recorded on July 10 at 17.16°C (62.89°F). The primary driver of this warming is the accumulation of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, though a temporary El Niño also contributed.

The last decade has seen the hottest temperatures in at least 125,000 years, exacerbating extreme weather events like the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, killed at least 10 people, and displaced tens of thousands. Scientists warn that these climate disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, are symptoms of worsening global warming. With the 1.5°C threshold now breached, experts stress the urgency of global efforts to limit further warming and mitigate impacts on both human health and ecosystems. While 2025 may not surpass 2024’s heat, the risk of crossing dangerous climate thresholds continues to grow.

Los Angeles wildfires: LA area's 2 biggest blazes burn at least 10,000 structures, while new fire leads to more evacuations

The two largest wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed over 10,000 structures. The Kenneth Fire, which began in the San Fernando Valley, quickly spread to Ventura County but was contained by firefighters after aggressive efforts. Despite a brief lull in winds, fires continue to rage across the region, including the devastating Eaton Fire near Pasadena. More than 180,000 people have been evacuated as flames consume vast areas, including upscale neighbourhoods like Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

The destruction is overwhelming, with entire blocks reduced to rubble. Historical landmarks, churches, schools, and businesses have been destroyed, and the cost of damages is estimated at up to $150 billion. Emergency measures include a curfew and National Guard deployment to prevent looting.

President Biden has pledged federal assistance, while local officials continue to manage evacuations and search for victims. Schools have closed due to heavy smoke, and several celebrities have been affected by the fires, including Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton. Experts link the severity of these wildfires to climate change, with California’s fire season growing longer each year. As recovery efforts continue, the emotional toll on affected residents is immense, with many losing precious memories and irreplaceable items.

Los Angeles wildfires: Los Angeles fire deaths at 10 as National Guard called in

Massive wildfires in Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and forced the displacement of thousands. The fires have ravaged more than 35,000 acres, with notable blazes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas. Firefighters, aided by water-dropping helicopters, are battling the flames, but new fires continue to erupt. In response to looting reports, a nighttime curfew has been imposed, and the National Guard has been deployed to patrol affected areas.

Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to protect communities, while Sheriff Robert Luna announced increased patrols in evacuation zones. Despite some progress, including 6% containment of the Pacific Palisades blaze, winds are returning, heightening the risk of further destruction. Evacuations now exceed 180,000, with many fearing the full extent of the damage.

The fires have caused widespread disruption, including school closures, power outages, and the relocation of major events. The devastation is being called California's worst, with damages estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion. Meteorologists warn that dangerous conditions persist, exacerbated by human-driven climate change, which has altered weather patterns and made the fires more intense.

Last 2 years crossed 1.5C global warming limit: EU monitor

The last two years have exceeded a critical warming limit, with global temperatures reaching levels "beyond what modern humans have ever experienced," according to Europe's climate monitor. While the 1.5°C warming threshold set by international agreements has not yet been permanently breached, Copernicus Climate Change Service warned that it is dangerously close. 2024 has officially become the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023, and continuing a pattern of extreme heat that has led to climate disasters worldwide.

Though 2025 may not break another record, it is expected to rank among the top three hottest years. This rising heat is amplifying extreme weather events, with countries like Spain, Kenya, the United States, and Nepal suffering disasters that have cost over $300 billion. In Los Angeles, deadly wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, reinforcing US President Joe Biden’s statement that "climate change is real."

Copernicus confirmed that average global temperatures in 2023 and 2024 were more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This rapid warming has resulted in more frequent and intense storms, floods, and heatwaves. The oceans, which absorb most of the excess heat, reached record warmth, straining marine ecosystems. Scientists stress that every fraction above 1.5°C is critical, and the consequences of continued warming could be unpredictable. Despite the challenges, experts stress that urgent action is needed to curb emissions and change the course of our future climate.

Los Angeles wildfires: Actor Steve Guttenberg returns to his once-lush LA neighborhood now charred by devastating wildfire

Steve Guttenberg discovered a devastating scene on Thursday morning: The fierce wildfire that swept through Pacific Palisades had transformed his previously verdant neighbourhood into a desolate landscape.

Whilst many homes were destroyed and residents evacuated, Guttenberg acknowledged his good fortune. His house remained intact, yet he found himself conflicted between gratitude for his home's survival and distress at seeing his affluent community in ruins.

"Just this morning, I woke up and I was really conscious of my mental state and my mental health, because the last three days, I've seen so much tragedy," said Guttenberg, whilst walking through his devastated neighbourhood. He mentioned having electricity but no water supply.

Expressing gratitude for his block's survival, Guttenberg reported approximately 20 residences were severely damaged in his 80-home community after wind-driven fires spread across Los Angeles, destroying properties and causing massive evacuations as the blazes remained uncontrolled on Wednesday. At 66 years old, he stated these were the most severe fires he had witnessed.

The inferno has destroyed the residences of several notable personalities including Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes and Paris Hilton.

Los Angeles wildfires: Around 100,000 homes, business without power in LA

Around 100,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles are currently without power, as reported by Poweroutages.us. In LA County, 59,800 customers of the LA Department of Water & Power and 38,500 of Southern California Edison are affected. Ventura County, where the Kenneth Fire is burning, has around 20,000 SCE customers without electricity.

The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have caused at least 10 fatalities and destroyed over 10,000 homes and structures. The Kenneth Fire, which ignited in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday, spread into Ventura County but was contained by a large firefighting effort. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which started earlier in the week, has destroyed more than 5,000 structures, while the Pacific Palisades fire has decimated over 5,300 buildings.

Evacuations are ongoing, with 180,000 people displaced. California’s longer wildfire season, worsened by climate change, has led to earlier and more intense fires, causing widespread devastation.Around 100,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles are currently without power, as reported by Poweroutages.us. In LA County, 59,800 customers of the LA Department of Water & Power and 38,500 of Southern California Edison are affected. Ventura County, where the Kenneth Fire is burning, has around 20,000 SCE customers without electricity.

The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have caused at least 10 fatalities and destroyed over 10,000 homes and structures. The Kenneth Fire, which ignited in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday, spread into Ventura County but was contained by a large firefighting effort. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena, which started earlier in the week, has destroyed more than 5,000 structures, while the Pacific Palisades fire has decimated over 5,300 buildings.

Los Angeles wildfires: LA area's 2 biggest blazes burn at least 10,000 structures, while new fire leads to more evacuations

The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have killed at least 10 people and burned more than 10,000 homes and other structures, officials said as they urged more people to heed evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew.

The Kenneth Fire started in the late Thursday afternoon in the San Fernando Valley just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from a school serving as a shelter for evacuees from another fire. It moved into neighboring Ventura County but a large and aggressive response by firefighters stopped the flames from spreading.

About 400 firefighters remained on scene overnight to guard against the fire flaring up.

Only hours before the Kenneth Fire roared to life officials expressed encouragement after firefighters aided by calmer winds and help from crews from outside the state saw the first signs of successfully beating back the region’s two devastating wildfires.

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena that started Tuesday night has burned more than 5,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles. Firefighters were able to establish the first bit of containment Thursday.

To the west in Pacific Palisades, the largest of the fires burning in the LA area has destroyed over 5,300 structures and firefighters had no containment.

All of the major fires that have broken out this week are located in a roughly 25-mile (40-kilometer) band north of downtown Los Angeles, spreading a sense of fear and sadness across the nation’s second-largest city. No cause has been identified for the largest fires.

The level of devastation is jarring even in a state that has grown used to massive wildfires. A large portion of scenic Pacific Palisades has been obliterated. Dozens of blocks in the seaside neighborhood were flattened to smoldering rubble. In neighboring Malibu, blackened palm strands were all that was left above debris where oceanfront homes once stood.

Shotgun watch: LA fire evacuees guard against looters

Nicholas Norman managed to save his home using little more than buckets of water when towering flames ripped through his neighborhood in a suburb of Los Angeles. But now he's facing a new danger: looters.

After surviving the terror of a chaotic wind-driven fire, Norman was at his Altadena house when he saw two suspicious men in the hours before dawn on Thursday.

"They were testing doors and looking in windows" of homes that had been evacuated, he told AFP.

Norman, a teacher, said a police officer friend told him that looters had been arrested a few blocks away just hours earlier.

So he decided to take matters into his own hands.

"I did the classic American thing: I went and got my shotgun and I sat out there, and put a light on so they knew people were there," he said.

For Norman, the evening was reminiscent of the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, when the city's streets erupted after Rodney King, a Black man, was beaten to death by white police officers.

Los Angeles wildfires: US President-elect Trump blames California governor Newsom for wildfires

As cataclysmic wildfires rage across Los Angeles, President-elect Donald Trump hasn't been offering much sympathy. Instead, he's claiming he could do a better job managing the crisis, spewing falsehoods and casting blame on the state's Democratic governor. Trump has lashed out at his longtime political foe Gov. Gavin Newsom's forest management policies and falsely claimed the state's fish conservation efforts are responsible for fire hydrants running dry in urban areas. Referring to the governor by a derisive nickname, Trump said he should resign.

Meanwhile, more than 180,000 people were under evacuation orders and the fires have consumed more than 45 square miles (116 square kilometres). One that destroyed the neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades became the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history.

Trump v. Newsom: Round 2 was to be expected - the liberal Democrat has long been one of Trump's biggest foils. But the Western fires are also a sign of something far more grave than a political spat or a fight over fish. Wildfire season is growing ever longer thanks to increasing drought and heat brought on by climate change.

Trump refuses to recognise the environmental dangers, instead blaming increasing natural disasters on his political opponents or on acts of God. He has promised to drill for more oil and cut back on renewable energy.

Los Angeles wildfires: What ignited deadly California wildfires? Investigators consider array of possibilities

Investigators are considering an array of possible ignition sources for the huge fires that have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area. In hilly, upscale Pacific Palisades, home to Hollywood stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal who lost houses in the fire, officials have placed the origin of the wind-whipped blaze behind a home on Piedra Morada Drive, which sits above a densely wooded arroyo.

While lightning is the most common source of fires in the US, according to the National Fire Protection Association, investigators were able to rule that out quickly. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton fire, which started in east Los Angeles County and has also destroyed hundreds of homes.

The next two most common causes: fires intentionally set, and those sparked by utility lines.

John Lentini, owner of Scientific Fire Analysis in Florida, who has investigated large fires in California including the Oakland Hills fire in 1991, said the size and scope of the blaze doesn't change the approach to finding out what caused it.

"This was once a small fire," Lentini said. "People will focus on where the fire started, determine the origin and look around the origin and determine the cause."

So far there has been no official indication of arson in either blaze, and utility lines have not yet been identified as a cause either.

Utilities are required to report to the California Public Utilities Commission when they know of "electric incidents potentially associated with a wildfire," Terrie Prosper, the commission's communications director, said via email. CPUC staff then investigate to see if there were violations of state law.

The 2017 Thomas Fire, one of the largest fires in state history, was sparked by Southern California Edison power lines that came into contact during high wind, investigators determined. The blaze killed two people and charred more than 440 square miles (1,140 square kilometers), according to the investigation headed by the Ventura County Fire Department.

So far no such reports for the current fires have been posted to the CPUC website that tracks such filings.

While lightning, arson and utility lines are the most common causes, debris burning and fireworks are also common causes.

But fires are incited by myriad sources, including accidents.

In 2021, a couple's gender reveal stunt started a large fire that torched close to 36 square miles (about 90 square kilometers) of terrain, destroyed five homes and 15 other buildings and claimed the life of a firefighter, Charlie Morton.

The Eaton and Palisades fires were still burning with little to no containment on Thursday. Winds softened, but there was no rain in the forecast as the flames moved through miles of dry landscape.

"It's going to go out when it runs out of fuel, or when the weather stops," Lentini said. "They're not going to put that thing out until it's ready to go out."

Los Angeles wildfires: Firefighting aircraft collides with drone over Palisades fire

A firefighting aircraft flying over the Palisades fire in Los Angeles collided with a drone Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration said, warning that flying drones can disrupt firefighting efforts and endanger lives.

The plane landed safely after the incident, said the FAA, which will investigate the episode. The collision damaged a wing and put the plane out of commission, said Chris Thomas, a Cal Fire spokesperson.

The blazes that broke out this week in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas were fueled by fierce winds that initially prevented aircraft from taking off safely. Once conditions improved, dozens of helicopters and planes joined the fight to contain the fires. More were on the way Thursday night, authorities said.

The FAA has imposed temporary flight restrictions in the Los Angeles area while firefighters work to contain the fires. The agency said Thursday that it has not authorized anyone who is not involved in the firefighting operations to fly drones in the restricted zones. Despite the restrictions, many videos of the Southern California fires purported to be from drones, have been posted on social media this week.

Flight restrictions are often imposed by the FAA when wildfires break out, and authorities have warned for years about the threat posed by drones to firefighting aircraft. Authorities often ground firefighting planes if drones are spotted in the area.

In September, at least two drone incursions were reported as firefighters battled the Line fire in Southern California.

Los Angeles wildfires: 'My heart shattered into million pieces, says' Paris Hilton after her Malibu home reduced to ashes in LA wildfires

Singer and actress Paris Hilton was heartbroken after she saw the ruins of her sweet home in Malibu due to tragic ongoing LA wildfires in California. She called it an 'indescribable' pain and noted it as a reminder of the nature of an unpredictable life.

Taking to her X handle, actress Paris Hilton shared a video featuring the present state of her Malibu home after the LA wildfires. She wrote,

"I'm standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock--I couldn't process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces. "

The actress further recalled the happy memories of her time in the house and empathised with other people who are going through the same pain of losing a home.

"This house wasn't just a place to live-- It was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family. It was where Phoenix's little hands made art that I'll cherish forever, where love and life filled every corner. To see it reduced to ashes... it's devastating beyond words. What breaks my heart even more is knowing that this isn't just my story. So many people have lost everything. It's not just walls and roofs--it's the memories that made those houses homes. It's the photos, the keepsakes, the irreplaceable pieces of our lives."

A critical water shortage has severely impacted firefighting efforts in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades as devastating wildfires rage through the area.

According to a NYT report, Firefighters including Capt Kevin Easton, found themselves battling the blaze without adequate water supplies after local hydrants ran dry. "Completely dry -- couldn't get any water out of it," Easton said, describing the situation as they worked to protect the Palisades Highlands neighborhood.

The water from the hydrants by Wednesday afternoon remained unavailable, leaving many homes in the area to burn. The shortage stemmed from the high-elevation water storage tanks and pumping systems designed to supply the area with water, which were unable to meet the overwhelming demand.


"We are looking at a situation that is just completely not part of any domestic water system design," said Marty Adams, former general manager at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Municipal water systems are designed to sustain multiple hydrants being tapped simultaneously by fire trucks. However, when fires, especially wildfires, spread quickly, they can overwhelm the system.

Los Angeles Wildfires Live: LA area's 2 biggest blazes burn at least 10,000 structures, while new fire leads to more evacuations

The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have burned at least 10,000 homes, buildings and other structures, officials said Thursday as they urged more people to heed evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew.

The fast-moving Kenneth Fire started in the late afternoon in the San Fernando Valley just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from a school serving as a shelter for fire evacuees and then moved into neighboring Ventura County by the evening.

Only hours earlier officials expressed encouragement after firefighters aided by calmer winds and help from crews from outside the state saw the first signs of successfully beating back the region’s devastating wildfires that have killed 10 people so far.

“We are expecting this fire to rapidly spread due to high winds,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, echoing the forecast that called for winds to strengthen Thursday evening through Friday morning.

The orders came as Los Angeles County officials announced the Eaton Fire near Pasadena that started Tuesday night has burned more than 5,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles. To the west in Pacific Palisades, the largest of the fires burning in the LA area has destroyed over 5,300 structures.

Los Angeles Wildfires Live: Death toll rises to 10 from Los Angeles-area fires, according to county coroner's office

Massive wildfires that engulfed whole neighborhoods and displaced thousands in Los Angeles have killed at least 10 people, authorities said, as California's National Guard soldiers readied to hit the streets to help quell disorder.

News of the growing toll, announced late Thursday by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, came as swaths of the United States' second-largest city lay in ruins.

A vast firefighting operation continued into the night, bolstered by water-dropping helicopters thanks to a temporary lull in winds, even as new fires continued to spring up.

With reports of looting, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said a nighttime curfew was planned, and the state's National Guard was on hand to patrol affected areas.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the service members were part of a thousands-strong deployment of state personnel.

"We're throwing everything at our disposal -– including our National Guard service members –- to protect communities in the days to come," he said.

"And to those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated."

Los Angeles Wildfires Live: What ignited deadly California wildfires? Investigators consider array of possibilities

Investigators are considering an array of possible ignition sources for the huge fires that have killed at least 10 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area. In hilly, upscale Pacific Palisades, home to Hollywood stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Billy Crystal who lost houses in the fire, officials have placed the origin of the wind-whipped blaze behind a home on Piedra Morada Drive, which sits above a densely wooded arroyo.

While lightning is the most common source of fires in the US, according to the National Fire Protection Association, investigators were able to rule that out quickly. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton fire, which started in east Los Angeles County and has also destroyed hundreds of homes.

The next two most common causes: fires intentionally set, and those sparked by utility lines.

John Lentini, owner of Scientific Fire Analysis in Florida, who has investigated large fires in California including the Oakland Hills fire in 1991, said the size and scope of the blaze doesn't change the approach to finding out what caused it.