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.
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.
Jan 21, 2025, 5:52 AM EST
Evacuation order issued near San Diego's Lilac Fire
An evacuation order was issued early Tuesday for the area near Old Highway 395 and W. Lilac Road in Bonsall, a community in an unincorporated area in northern San Diego, officials said.
"An evacuation order has been issued for people who live in the red shaded areas as shown on the maps below," the San Diego Sheriff's office said. "It means there is an immediate threat and you need to leave right now."
Jan 21, 2025, 5:39 AM EST
2 wildfires ignite in San Diego, Cal Fire says
Two wildfires ignited early Tuesday in San Diego, California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
The Lilac Fire had burned about 20 acres at a moderate rate of speed and was zero percent contained, Cal Fire’s San Diego department said in a statement posted on social media.
The Pala Fire, which was burning at a slow rate of speed, had burned about 30 acres and was also zero percent contained, the department said in another post.
Jan 16, 2025, 2:24 PM EST
California AG announces measures to track, prosecute price gouging
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his department has opened multiple active investigations into price gouging reports. They’ve also created a new Department of Justice disaster relief task force that’s dedicated to investigating and prosecuting price gouging and other crimes targeting disaster victims, he said.
"Folks across the region are being preyed upon by greedy businesses and landlords, scam artists and predatory buyers looking to make a quick buck off their pain," Bonta said. "They are seeking to re-victimize the victims of the fires to exploit them in their vulnerable state."
A person carrying a flag walk away from a burning house as powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area force people to evacuate, at the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025.
David Swanson/Reuters
"These predators are looking at the disaster with dollar signs in their eyes instead of kindness in their hearts. And that is unconscionable. It is despicable, it is disgusting, it is sick, and it's unacceptable. And most importantly, it is illegal," he said.
Price gouging is punishable by one year in prison and a $10,000 criminal fine per instance, as well as a civil liability up to $2,500 per violation, he said.
Ivan Benavidez and his brother Isaac who lost their home in the Altadena fire check on tee-shirts that might fit at a donation center at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., Jan. 15, 2025.
Richard Vogel/AP
"We will hold you to account, be it landlords, short-term rentals or hotels price gouging evacuees, or predatory buyers swooping in with low ball property offers. Whether it be scams or looting, you can be sure we will hold you accountable," Bonta said. "Don't think we're bluffing and try to call it -- you will regret it."
-ABC News’ Lissette Rodriguez
Jan 16, 2025, 11:50 AM EST
Landslide spotted in Palisades burn area
A home that survived by the Palisades Fire has now been damaged by a landslide in the burn area.
A landslide damages a home in the Palisades Fire burn area.
KABC
A landslide damages a home in the Palisades Fire burn area.
KABC
Cal Fire said teams are in the fire zones analyzing the burn areas to determine places of concern.