LA county wildfires
altadena, malibu & pacific palisades (january 2025)
in january 2025, altadena was at the heart of the eaton fire, one of california’s most destructive wildfires to date. sparked during a period of intense santa ana winds and severe drought, the fire rapidly spread through the eaton canyon area, destroying over 9,000 structures, killing at least 18 people, and forcing more than 100,000 residents to evacuate. the fire overwhelmed firefighting resources and has since become a major symbol of the california’s growing wildfire crisis.
at the same time, the palisades fire devastated the west side of los angeles - pacific palisades, malibu, and the surrounding santa monica mountains. it destroyed over 6,800 homes and buildings, caused 12 deaths, and displaced more than 100,000 people. fueled by extreme winds and dry brush, the fire quickly became the most destructive wildfire in los angeles city history, leaving lasting damage to coastal communities and prompting widespread calls for utility reform and improved fire prevention.
