California fires updates for Thursday, Jan. 30
Crews removing dangerous debris left by Eaton Fire
Crews in Altadena are working tirelessly to clear hazardous debris left by the Eaton Fire, with the EPA leading phase one of the cleanup.
Cleanup efforts are well underway across Los Angeles County as residents pick up the pieces after three weeks of nonstop fires.
The debris pickup is the latest for LA County residents in the long road to recovery as some lost everything from the recent fires.
Follow FOX 11's live blog with the latest updates provided on the Jan. 2025 fires in SoCal:
Hughes Fire fully contained
5 p.m.: The Hughes Fire has reached 100% containment eight days after the blaze was first reported.
Beaches remain closed
2:50 p.m.: Beaches stretching from Malibu to Santa Monica remain closed due to the recent rains and fire debris carried to the coast, while a water quality advisory was in effect for all beaches as far south as Playa del Rey.
The water closure impacts all beaches from Las Flores State Beach in Malibu to Santa Monica State Beach, and it will remain in effect until further notice. Health officials said fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water "may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals."
A water quality advisory will also be in effect indefinitely for all beaches from Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach in Malibu and from Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way in Playa del Rey.
The advisory strongly urges people to avoid contact with the ocean water, and with any fire debris on the beach.
Congresswoman Judy Chu tours Eaton Fire damage
11 :00 a.m.: Rep.Judy Chu is urging Congress to ensure long-term federal funding for wildfire victims after touring the Eaton Fire zones in Altadena.
Rep. Judy Chu tours Eaton Fire damage
Democratic lawmakers toured the Eaton Fire damage in Altadena.
LA County DA doubles down on crime during wildfire recovery efforts
10:36 a.m.: As residents impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires try to carve a path forward following the devastating fires, LA County DA Nathan Hochman is reminding anyone looking to commit crimes during this time "you will face the maximum penalties for your actions."
He released the following statement Thursday morning:
"In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles County, our hearts are with the families and communities who have suffered from this tragedy. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and our landscapes forever changed. As we confront this crisis, we stand together in solidarity with those impacted by this disaster, and we express our deepest condolences to all affected. While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much. Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others—whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity—will not go unpunished. We will identify, arrest, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, and you will face the maximum penalties for your actions."
Town Hall meeting gets heated
7:10 a.m.: FOX 11's Mario Ramirez recaps last night's Town Hall meeting where residents expressed their concerns over the designated Eaton Fire debris removal site at Lario Park.
Residents sound off on Eaton Fire debris site
While federal officials are moving forward to remove debris from the Eaton Fire at a San Gabriel Valley park, residents continue to oppose the EPA's plan.
Inglewood set to host 2 massive shows benefiting fire victims
7:05 a.m.: Inglewood's Kia Forum and Intuit Dome will host the FireAid benefit concert tonight with all proceeds going to victims of LA's recent wildfires. Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who owns both venues, also donated $15 million to recovery efforts.
FireAid: Inglewood prepares for 2 massive shows
Inglewood's Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, both owned by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, are set to host the FireAid benefit concert with proceeds going to those impacted by the LA wildfires.
Palisades Fire victims urged to complete entry form for debris removal
6:45 a.m.: Residents in the Pacific Palisades are asked to complete a Right of Entry Form for free debris removal provided by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Click here for more information.
Rain chances re-enter forecast
5:20 a.m.: FOX 11 Meteorologist Soumada Khan said rain chances will re-enter the forecast early next week, which could be troubling for those who live in burn scar areas.
Weather Forecast for Thursday, Jan.30
The latest forecast for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
Morning containment numbers for the Hughes, Palisades and Eaton fires
5:00 a.m. Crews are nearing full containment on the Hughes, Palisades and Eaton fires. Here's the latest as of Thursday morning:
- Eaton: 99% contained with 14,021 acres burned.
- Palisades: 97% contained with 23,448 acres burned.
- Hughes: 98% contained with 10,425 acres burned.
The Hughes Fire
The Huges Fire was first reported in the Castaic area on Wednesday, Jan. 22 along Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake. Within an hour, the fire exploded from 50 to 500 acres. Officials quickly issued evacuation orders and warnings, including students who were taken to other schools and locations.
The first day of the firefighter also caused a temporary closure of the Grapevine along the 5 Freeway.
By the next day, several evacuation orders and warnings were downgraded.
The Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire was first reported on Tuesday, Jan. 7 near Altadena and Midwick drives.
Some residents did not survive the flames and at least 7,000 structures were destroyed.
Authorities have implemented a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all areas that remain under mandatory evacuation orders in the Altadena area. This comes after more than 30 looting arrests were made by the LA County Sheriff's Department.
What caused the Eaton Fire?
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but they were fueled by extreme drought conditions, combined with the supersized Santa Ana winds that whipped flames and embers at 100 mph – much faster than usual.
A lawsuit filed Monday claims Southern California Edison equipment sparked the Eaton Fire.
The lawsuit alleges that Southern California Edison failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines and overgrown vegetation.
The Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 7 as parts of Southern California were hit by powerful Santa Ana winds – the strongest to hit the area in over a decade, officials said. The piercing winds not only intensified the spread of the fire, it also prevented helicopters and planes from dumping water or fire retardant onto the burning scene as it was too dangerous to fly during the first day of the massive fire.
The fire extended well over 23,000 acres in seven days, destroying homes and businesses across the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The fire also forced evacuations across parts of LA County, including Bel-Air, Brentwood and Santa Monica.
The fire also destroyed the Pacific Palisades Charter High School and other schools in the fire's path.
What caused the Palisades Fire?
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, a popular hiking destination, Skull Rock – an area north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades – is at the center of an investigation "as a possible starting point for the Palisades fire."
Meanwhile, local authorities have announced multiple rounds of arrests taking place from the Palisades Fire scenes, but none of which are explicitly related to the cause of the fire. Over the weekend, there was an announcement of a man arrested for impersonating a firefighter. The alleged "fake firefighter" was accused of trying to break into one of the evacuated homes.
Other people have also been accused of arson across Southern California.
Quick Resources
- California Fires Maps: Zones under evacuation orders and warnings
- Shelters, road closures, health alerts, evacuee assistance and more