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LA fires live updates: At least 25 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says

The wildfire threat is ongoing as dangerous winds hit the Los Angeles area.

ByKevin Shalvey, David Brennan, Emily Shapiro, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 10:47 PM EST

At least 25 people have died as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, rage across the Los Angeles area.

Thousands of firefighters are battling wildfires across 45 square miles of densely populated Los Angeles County. About 88,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders and another 84,000 are under evacuation warnings.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 14, 9:39 pm

Status of Palisades, Eaton fires

The Palisades Fire, which began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, has destroyed about 5,000 structures. It's covered more than 23,000 acres and is at 18% containment.

The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena also began on Jan. 7 and has destroyed or damaged around 7,000 structures. It's burned over 14,000 acres and is at 35% containment.

Jan 14, 2025, 3:50 PM EST

Red flag warnings in place through Wednesday evening

"Particularly dangerous situation" red flag warnings will be in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT Wednesday as the high winds, low humidity and dry fuel cause a major risk for fires. Regular red flag warnings last through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The dangerous, gusty winds will die down slightly Tuesday evening before picking up again overnight and Wednesday morning.

PHOTO: Extreme fire risk.
ABC News

Gusts may climb to 45 to 70 mph, which could spark new fires, spread existing fires and topple trees and power lines.

-ABC News’ Melissa Griffin

Jan 14, 2025, 3:32 PM EST

Air quality alerts remain in effect

Air quality alerts remain in effect in Southern California as the wind-blown dust and ash from the Palisades and Eaton fires cause harmful pollution levels from Santa Monica and LA south to Newport Beach and inland to San Bernardino.

The poor air quality is expected to continue through at least Wednesday night.

Alec Miller from the Torrance Fire Department looks at the smoke billowing from the Palisades Fire threatening homes in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, Jan. 11, 2025.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Jan 14, 2025, 12:54 PM EST

Super scooper damaged by drone ready to be back in the air

The super scooper firefighting plane that was damaged by a drone last week has been repaired and will be available to respond to fires as of 11 a.m. local time Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

A plane makes a drop as smoke billows from the Palisades Fire at the Mandeville Canyon, in Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 11, 2025.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Jan 14, 2025, 11:41 AM EST

Firefighters had 'never seen destruction like this'

LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said she and LA Mayor Karen Bass went on an aerial survey of the devastated areas to see the size, scope and complexity of the fires.

The "massive, massive destruction is unimaginable until you actually see it," Bass said. "I think of the families … we are going to continue to stand with you."

A view shows the remains of vehicles and businesses burned in the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, Jan. 11, 2025.
David Ryder/Reuters

Bass said after the aerial tour she spoke to firefighters who've been on the job for decades. She said the firefighters told her they'd "never seen destruction like this" or winds this fierce.

As the fire danger continues, the mayor said residents looking to help first responders can do so by being prepared.

Bass said residents under evacuation warnings, not evacuation orders, should consider leaving their homes when the warning is issued to avoid the traffic jams so many experienced last week.

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