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California fires updates: Death toll in Los Angeles fires rises to 29

PHOTO: Plumes of smoke rise as the Hughes Fire burns in Castaic, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025.
3:31
Ethan Swope/AP
New threat of mudslides for California fire zone
By Kevin Shalvey, David Brennan, Emily Shapiro, Meredith Deliso, Riley Hoffman, Julia Reinstein
Last Updated: January 28, 2025, 12:56 AM

At least 29 people have died as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, rage across Southern California.

Thousands of firefighters have been battling wildfires across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County. The two largest fires, the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, remain active. One of the latest, the Hughes Fire in the Castaic area, has prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people.

ABC News has kicked off "SoCal Strong" (#SoCalStrong), highlighting the impacted communities and offering fundraising opportunities for victims of the fires. The coverage will continue across multiple ABC News programs and platforms.

Latest headlines:

  • Border 2 Fire spreads to more than 5,300 acres
  • Pennsylvania sends 40 firefighters to LA
  • Red flag warning will expire soon, rain coming this weekend
Here's how the news is developing.

Pinned
Jan 24, 2025 7:20 PM

Tracking ongoing California wildfires

The Palisades Fire, which began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, has destroyed or damaged more than 6,000 structures. It's covered more than 23,000 acres and is at 87% containment.

The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena also began on Jan. 7 and has destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 structures. It's burned over 14,000 acres and is at 95% containment.


Pinned
Jan 23, 2025 8:41 PM

Forward progress of Laguna Fire in Ventura County halted: Official

Firefighters have stopped the forward progress of the Laguna Fire that broke out Thursday in Ventura County and prompted the evacuation of California State University Channel Island, officials said.

The blaze broke out just before 9 a.m. on agricultural land close to the university in Camarillo and spread to a nearby ridge. Fire crews quickly attacked the blaze from the ground and air to prevent it from spreading beyond 50 acres, officials said.

Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, credited "aggressive firefighting" for halting the blaze that erupted amid strong winds and single-digit humidity levels across the region.

"Having all these resources available and ready to respond within minutes of this fire breaking out made a huge difference in our ability to bring this under control," Dowd told ABC Los Angeles station KABC.


Jan 28, 2025 12:56 AM

Death toll in Los Angeles fires rises to 29

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office reported an additional fire-related death on Monday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 29.

The additional fatality was attributed to the Palisades Fire, bringing its total to 12 deaths, while 17 people died in the Eaton Fire in the Altadena area of LA County.


Jan 24, 2025 8:49 PM

Border 2 Fire spreads to more than 5,300 acres

The Border 2 Fire near the San Diego-Mexico border has spread to more than 5,300 acres and is 10% contained.

The Chula Vista Elementary School District said it’s closing eight schools Friday due to safety and air quality concerns.


Jan 24, 2025 6:57 PM

Pennsylvania sends 40 firefighters to LA

Pennsylvania is sending 40 firefighters to Los Angeles to help fight the multiple wildfires spreading across the region, Gov. Josh Shapiro said.

"My Administration is proud to support national wildfire response efforts with these brave and highly trained crews who are answering the call to protect lives and communities," Shapiro wrote on social media. "Pennsylvania stands ready to help any state facing these unprecedented challenges."

PHOTO: A firefighter battles the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake, north of Santa Clarita, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025.
Ringo Chiu/Reuters
A firefighter battles the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake, north of Santa Clarita, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025.
Ringo Chiu/Reuters


Jan 24, 2025 1:24 PM

Red flag warning will expire soon, rain coming this weekend

A red flag warning that’s been in effect across Southern California will expire at 10 a.m. local time.

The gusty winds -- which contribute to the spread of wildfires -- will decrease throughout the morning and then let up in the afternoon.

PHOTO: The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 16, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes/AP
The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 16, 2025.
Damian Dovarganes/AP

Conditions will improve this weekend.

Humidity will increase and rain will reach Southern California on Saturday. The scattered showers will linger through Sunday and Monday.

There are no major flooding risks and an only 5% to 10% chance of significant debris in burn scars from the fires.

-ABC News’ Dan Amarante


Jan 23, 2025 8:41 PM

Forward progress of Laguna Fire in Ventura County halted: Official

Firefighters have stopped the forward progress of the Laguna Fire that broke out Thursday in Ventura County and prompted the evacuation of California State University Channel Island, officials said.

The blaze broke out just before 9 a.m. on agricultural land close to the university in Camarillo and spread to a nearby ridge. Fire crews quickly attacked the blaze from the ground and air to prevent it from spreading beyond 50 acres, officials said.

Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department, credited "aggressive firefighting" for halting the blaze that erupted amid strong winds and single-digit humidity levels across the region.

"Having all these resources available and ready to respond within minutes of this fire breaking out made a huge difference in our ability to bring this under control," Dowd told ABC Los Angeles station KABC.


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