After more than three and a half weeks, the California State Forestry Department has declared that the Palisades and Eaton wildfires have been fully contained after ravaging the region, claiming 29 lives and causing severe damage to homes and historic neighborhoods.
The first fire, which broke out on January 7 in Pacific Palisades, an area east of Malibu, quickly spread due to dry conditions and brush. The Eaton fire, igniting the same day at the base of Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, was similarly fueled by the weather, with the Santa Ana hot air currents accelerating its spread and leading to the destruction.
Official reports reveal that the Palisades fire burned about 23.448 acres of land and destroyed 6,837 structures, with 1,017 others damaged. The Eaton fire particularly impacted the residential area of Altadena, where historic homes–including the Andrew McNally House once owned by a significant figure in the publishing and cartography industries and co-founder of Rand McNally–and the Zane Grey Estate of the famous western author, were irreparably lost.
Experts have confirmed that the combination of powerful winds and prolonged drought, which reduced annual rainfall by 10%, significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, making this fire the worst ever, as described by the National Weather Service.
Despite intense efforts from Governor Gavin Newsom, who attempted to bolster firefighting teams, some blazes remained out of control for an extended period. In the end, a recent storm, bringing the first significant rain in nearly eight months, played a key role in easing the firefighters’ efforts.
