Eaton Fire



1. Start Time & Info

**Start Date/Time/Location** The Eaton Fire started on January 7, 2025, at 6:18 PM near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in Altadena/Pasadena, Los Angeles County[5]. **Size and Containment** As of January 16, 2025, the fire has burned 14,117 acres and is 55% contained[2][4]. **Growth and Rate of Spread** The fire has been aggressive, fueled by high winds and dry conditions. Initially, it spread rapidly, but calmer overnight and early morning winds on January 16 allowed firefighters to make significant progress in securing containment lines. The fire has been characterized by smoldering, creeping, and rollouts in heavy fuels, particularly in the foothill drainages[2][4]. **Containment Efforts** The fire is being managed under unified command by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Pasadena Fire, and the United States Forest Services. Firefighters have utilized aircraft support, ground-based retardant, and tactical patrols to contain the fire. Containment efforts are focused on the northern edge of the fire and strategic locations such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and La Cañada[1][2][4].

2. Evacuations & Closures

**Mandatory Evacuation Orders** Several areas are under mandatory evacuation orders, including zones such as ALD-CALAVERAS, ALD-CANON, ALD-CHANEY, ALD-EASTLOMA, and others. Residents can identify their evacuation zone using CAL FIRE's 3D map[5]. **Evacuation Warnings** Additional zones are under evacuation warnings, including areas like LAC-E165-B, LAC-E167, and LAC-E168-A[5]. **Evacuation Shelters** Evacuation shelters are available at the Pasadena Convention Center (300 East Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101)[5]. **Estimated Number of People Impacted** The exact number of people impacted is not specified, but the fire threatens 37,000 structures[2][4]. - Specific road closures are not detailed in the latest updates, but residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to allow firefighters room to work. **For more information, visit:** - [CAL FIRE's Eaton Fire page]: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire/ - [Los Angeles County Fire Department's YouTube channel for live updates]: https://www.youtube.com/@LosAngelesCountyFD - [Recovery resources for Los Angeles County]: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/

3. Current Impact

**Injuries and Fatalities** The fire has resulted in 16 civilian fatalities and 6 firefighter injuries. No firefighter fatalities have been reported[2][4]. **Structures Impacted** As of the latest update, 5,718 structures have been destroyed, and 679 structures have been damaged. Over 7,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed according to preliminary estimates from remote sensing technologies[2][4]. **Power Outages and Other Impacts** While specific power outage numbers are not provided, utility operations are ongoing in the affected communities. The fire has also impacted air quality and led to the closure of schools and other facilities in the area[1][2][4]. **Notable Impacts** The Jet Propulsion Laboratory area has been a focus for containment efforts, and significant brush clearance has been conducted in La Cañada[1][2].

4. Current Outlook

**Containment Projections** Despite the progress made, the fire remains a significant threat. Containment efforts are ongoing, with a focus on tactical patrols, mop-up, and addressing smoke and heat sources within the fire’s interior. The fire is currently 55% contained, but critical fire weather conditions are expected to return early next week[2][4]. **Weather and Wind Warnings** Gentle offshore winds are expected to weaken, with calmer but dry conditions building through Thursday. Moist marine air and moderate onshore winds will arrive Friday into the weekend, but dry conditions are expected to return next week. A Red Flag Warning has been extended, indicating high fire danger due to wind and dry conditions[2][4].

5. Weather info

**Cause** The cause of the Eaton Fire is currently under investigation[2][4][5]. **Weather and Climate** The fire is being fueled by extreme fire weather conditions, including high winds and low humidity. The area has experienced persistent offshore flow with periods of strong Santa Ana winds, which have exacerbated the fire's spread and intensity. The upcoming return of dry conditions next week is a significant concern for continued fire activity[2][4].

Citations

['https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire/updates/54b14689-5e48-409f-aec3-e241dc5cb62d', 'https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire/updates/25e91da2-e708-46fd-a9fd-aa3670978e2f', 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9FUTawFrLQ', 'https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire/updates/6369c915-6346-47f7-ac0b-b72d55350a69', 'https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire']