I, like so many of you, are watching these fires in horror, and have been watching In between driving, docs, Rock Knocker, etc. since the start. Nothing will bring back the lives and property lost. Some people have claimed to have been saved, or had a relative saved, by the unending, factual, timely work of the staff and volunteers of Watch Duty. What our team has done is nothing short of heroic, as has been the work of all the firefighters and first responders, including many teams from MoCo, San Benito, SLO Co all the way up to Canada. Here is an update from Cal Fire:
 CONTACT: CAL FIRE PIO (916) 651-3473 Calfire.dutypio@fire.ca.govRELEASE DATE: January 10, 2025January 2025 Fire SummarySacramento – More than 8,000 personnel, including firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency support personnel, continue to respond to ongoing historic wildfires in Southern California. In the first ten days of the year, there have been 35,999 acres burned, from 98 fires across the state. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect in much of the southern coastal area until 6 p.m. today. Damage inspections continue with the initial assessment of destroyed structure being 5,316 for the Palisades Fire and an estimated over 5,000 structures destroyed from the Eaton Fire. These current numbers still need to be validated but will likely make the Palisades and Eaton fires the third and fourth most destructive fires in California’s history respectively. Yesterday, January 9, 2025, an air tanker flying in the Palisades Fire area was struck by a civilian uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The aircraft sustained damage and will remain grounded and out of service. There were no injuries reported. This is a reminder that if you fly we cannot! Flying a UAS amidst firefighting efforts is a federal offence punishable by up to 12 month of incarceration and a fine of up to $75,000. This incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.  CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet continue to prove a valuable resource in the response to Southern California fires. Since January 7, 2025, CAL FIRE’s aviation fleet has dropped over 59,000 gallons of retardant, over 72,000 gallons of water, and logged over 75 flight hours including 8 hours of nighttime operations as weather has allowed. CAL FIRE’s new C130 Air Tanker, T122 has also flown over ten hours, dropping over 30,000 gallons of retardant. California National Guard has activated additional resources with ten water dropping helicopters supporting firefighting operations. Two CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams remain activated to the Eaton and Palisades fires with a third pre-positioned to Southern California in response to the increased fire threat. California continues to receive support and resources from nearby states including Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Nevada. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today, Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. for moderate to strong north to northeast winds and low relative humidity for the central and southeastern Ventura County valleys, the valleys of Los Angeles County including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, the Ventura and Los Angeles County mountains including the Santa Monica range and the Santa Susana Mountains, the Interstate 5 corridor and the Malibu coast. The Red Flag Warning is also in effect for the inland valleys, foothills, and mountains in San Diego and Riverside counties. On Saturday, January 11, 2025, typical mid-January conditions are expected. Sunday and continuing through the middle of next week, weak to moderate Santa Ana winds are expected. There is a chance of strong winds Tuesday. There will continue to be a high likelihood of critical fire weather conditions through next week. With the Red Flag Warning in effect, CAL FIRE is urging all Californians to take extreme caution to prevent sparking a wildfire. With gusty winds, coupled with warm and dry conditions, fire danger will be elevated. The public is asked to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. To learn more, visit ReadyForWildfire.org. **Unified Command Fires** Palisade Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) Pacific Palisades and Topanga *20,438 acres, 8% contained *5,316 structures likely damaged or destroyed *Damage assessment is ongoing *Evacuation orders and warnings in place for multiple communities *350 engines, 54 crews, 54 dozers, 23 helicopters, 57 water tenders, 3,073 personnel *Unified Command CAL FIRE, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire Department, L.A. Police Department *CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 assigned Situation Summary: The fire continues to exhibit wind-driven and topographic runs upslope. Short-range spotting is still observed. Gusts up to 40 mph were observed into Thursday afternoon. North to northeast winds are expected to increase with poor overnight humidity recovery. Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) North Pasadena and Altadena *13,690 acres, 3% contained *5,000+ structures likely damaged or destroyed *Damage assessment is ongoing *Evacuation orders and warnings in place for multiple communities *203 engines, 15 crews, 16 dozers, 39 water tenders, 973 personnel *Unified Command CAL FIRE, USFS, L.A. County Fire Department, Pasadena Fire *CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 3 assigned Situation Summary: Firefighters are working aggressively to slow the spread and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities as the situation evolves. Kenneth Fire, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (more info…) Hidden Hills *1,000 acres, 35% contained and the forward progress has been stopped *There are no evacuation orders currently in place *29 engines, 6 crews, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders, 346 personnel *L.A. County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department Situation Summary: Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts. The challenging terrain and persistent winds complicate suppression activities, necessitating heightened vigilance from residents and adherence to directives from local authorities. Hurst Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) Stetson Ranch Park *771 acres, 37% contained *2 structures likely damaged or destroyed *Damage assessment is ongoing *Evacuation orders have been lifted, but several warnings remain in place for multiple communities *26 engines, 6 crews, 6 dozers, 4 water tenders, 451 personnel *Unified Command CAL FIRE, USFS, L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire Department, L.A. County Sheriff Situation Summary: Firefighters have successfully contained the fire north of the I-210 Foothill Freeway, establishing control lines extending to Santa Clara Divide Road. Crews managed several flare-ups within the fire’s perimeter. Residents returning home are advised to observe extreme caution and are advised to NOT drink the water until advised by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Lidia Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…) Soledad Canyon *395 acres, 75% contained *There are no evacuation orders currently in place *7 engines, 2 water tenders * USFS Angeles National Forest, L.A. County Fire Situation Summary: Continue to improve, reinforce and secure control lines as well as carry out extensive mop-up operations. Safety Messaging: The recent spike in wildfire activity is an important reminder for residents to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. Having an evacuation plan, a supply kit, and important paperwork will make it easier when it is time to GO. Remember one less spark, means One Less Wildfire. Learn more at ReadyForWildfire.org. Stay informed of emerging fires by bookmarking Incidents | CAL FIRE ### |
| CAL FIRE Communications | 715 P St. | Sacramento, CA 95814 USUnsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice |
Please keep all those fighting, supporting the logistics, or affected by these fires in your thoughts. Donate to your favorite organizations that support these efforts, and don’t forget the animals, large and small. Blessings and healings to all, including my colleagues at WatchDuty.org (If you don’t have the app, you should get it now, before you need it.)
Kate,
Watch Duty has been a lifeline delivering timely and organized fire and emergency information like never before. It has been easy to follow multiple fires with maps and collateral info. As a resident of the foothills, with multiple family groups nearby, we have been able to stay out of harm’s way. Many friends located closer in the major fire areas have been less fortunate. A tragedy.
Thank you for being involved and lending your considerable expertise to this game changing app.
Cheers, Ken
Listen to the fire scientists as well as the firefighters.
Have detailed, strategic PLANS IN PLACE in advance.
Shorter response times. Thank the volunteer spotters; don’t insult the public’s input, especially during lulls between fires.
Hit the fire with overwhelming suppression forces.
More powerful aircraft, able to handle stronger winds (increase capabilities).
Map potential hot spots; staff and equip accordingly.
On-site ember/fire suppression units with emergency water storage (good for all emergencies).
Keep windows closed and from breaking. Most structures burn from the inside out.
Remember that structure fires are more dangerous than wildland fires, and inevitably lead to the ignition of other structures. Wildland fires require tinder fuels. In the flame-front, only fuels less than a half-inch in diameter are consumed. Exercise: Measure the post-burn tips of chaparral shrub skeletons.
Consider CONTEXT in ALL aspects, not just the emotional ones.
Thanks for this valuable information. I’m in awe of our tireless firefighters and their amazing work.
I am humbled by the work these people do to serve their communities and fellow humans…
I am humbled by the work these people do to serve their communities and fellow humans…
Thank you for your succinct overview. You are the best. Watch Duty is great but can’t compare with the info you provide to us for things like this in the Big Sur, penninsula, and Carmel Valley areas. Again, thank you for all you do!
Yes, Watch Duty is invaluable as I have been tracking my sister and brother (Montrose and Pasadena respectively) and the danger they have been in (thankfully they have just been released from the warning…as of tonight) but am heartbroken watching my youth go up in flames, Altadena being the last place I lived before moving to the central coast. Apps like this are a godsend. Thanks, Kate, as usual for the in-depth info!