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California fires live updates: At least 10 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says

The fire which ignited Thursday afternoon is spreading in the West Hills area.

ByRiley Hoffman, David Brennan, Kevin Shalvey, Nadine El-Bawab, Meredith Deliso, and Leah Sarnoff
Last Updated: January 10, 2025, 12:26 AM EST

At least 10 people are believed to be dead -- with the LA County sheriff saying he expects that number to rise -- as a series of devastating fires grow uncontained across Southern California amid dry and windy conditions, leaving officials scrambling to contain the historic destruction.

Thousands of firefighters are battling at least five sprawling wildfires spread around the Los Angeles area. The largest, the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, has scorched over 19,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and remains zero percent contained. The Eaton Fire, in Altadena, now stands at more than 13,000 acres and zero percent contained. More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the infernos spread.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved a federal major disaster declaration for Los Angeles County.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 08, 2025, 11:19 AM EST

2 dead, over 1,000 structures destroyed across LA County

Two civilians are dead and there have been a high number of injuries due to the Eaton Fire, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a press conference Wednesday.

The cause of death for the two people has not yet been determined.

There have also been about 100 structures destroyed in the Eaton Fire. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and it is under investigation.

Residents of a senior center are evacuated as the Eaton Fire approaches, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif.
Ethan Swope/AP

Meanwhile, an estimated 1,000 structures have been destroyed in the Palisades Fire, which has grown to 5,000 acres, officials said.

While there are no known deaths, officials said there were injuries due to the fire.

"When they ask you to evacuate, evacuate. This is not a drill," Kathryn Barger, the LA County chair supervisor, said at the press conference.

Jan 08, 2025, 10:57 AM EST

Eaton Fire grows to 2,227 acres

The Eaton Fire in Los Angeles has grown to 2,227 acres with 0% containment, according to Cal Fire.

Flames rise from a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025.
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

A firefighter uses a hose as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 7, 2025.
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Jan 08, 2025, 10:00 AM EST

Wind gust of 100 mph recorded near Eaton Fire

A wind gust of 100 mph was recorded at 5 a.m. PST at Mountain Lukens in the San Gabriel Mountains, northeast of La Canada Flintridge -- very close to the Eaton Fire -- on Wednesday morning.

It is not only the winds creating dangerous conditions on Wednesday morning, it is also very dry.

Firefighters battle the Eaton fire as it burns in the Sierra Madre, east side of Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025.
Ringo Chiu/Zuma Press Wire via Shutterstock

In the last eight months, Los Angeles downtown has seen only 0.16 inches of rain. This makes May 6 to Dec. 31 the second-driest period on record.

-ABC News’ Max Golembo, Ginger Zee and Kenton Gewecke

Jan 08, 2025, 10:00 AM EST

Universal Studios Hollywood closed on Wednesday due to fires

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Wednesday due to extreme winds and fire conditions.

"We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow. The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority," Universal Studios said in a statement on X.

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