More than three weeks after two massive wildfires erupted on either side of Los Angeles, officials announced on Friday that both the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire are now 100% contained.
Extent of the Destruction
- Eaton Fire (east of Los Angeles) burned over 14,000 acres (57 sq km).
- Palisades Fire (west of the city) scorched 23,448 acres (95 sq km).
- Combined, the fires caused the worst natural disaster in Los Angeles County history, according to Cal Fire.
- Casualties: 28 people lost their lives.
- Property Damage: Over 16,000 structures were damaged or destroyed.
- Evacuations: At its peak, 180,000 residents were forced to flee their homes.
- Economic Impact: AccuWeather estimates losses exceeding $250 billion.
Containment and Challenges
Fire containment measures indicate how much of a fire’s perimeter is secured to prevent further spread. However, officials caution that some areas within the burn zones may still be smoldering.
Southern California received much-needed rainfall over the past week, which helped firefighters achieve full containment. However, the rain also triggered flash floods and mudslides, making recovery efforts more difficult.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart, the rain arrived too late to be of significant help in fire suppression. Instead, it caused road blockages and hazardous conditions for first responders.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Although the fires are now fully contained, the impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment remains severe. Cleanup operations are ongoing, and officials warn of potential health risks from toxic debris.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant as post-fire hazards like mudslides and air quality issues persist in affected areas.
