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California fires live updates: Water and air quality concerns as fires rage

Gov. Gavin Newsom said 7,500 firefighters are deployed to battle the fires.

ByRiley Hoffman, David Brennan, Kevin Shalvey, Nadine El-Bawab, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: January 9, 2025, 10:00 AM EST

At least five people are dead and many more are injured 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, as well as several smaller blazes. Thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed and more than 100,000 people evacuated as uncontrolled infernos spread.

The scale of the damage and disruption wrought in Los Angeles is unprecedented, with state and federal authorities mobilizing to fight the fires and support those forced to flee. 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 9, 3:40 am

Tracking active Southern California wildfires

Five major wildfires are currently burning in the Los Angeles area, according to Cal Fire.

The Palisades Fire began in the Pacific Palisades area of the city on Tuesday. It has so far burned 17,234 acres and is at 0% containment. More than 1,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

The Eaton Fire, north of Pasedna, began on Tuesday. It expanded to 10,600 acres and is at 0% containment. Five people have died in the fire and up to 500 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

The Hurst Fire in Sylmar, northwest of San Fernando, began on Tuesday and has burned 855 acres. It is at 10% containment.

The Lidia Fire erupted on Wednesday on the northwest edge of the Angeles National Forest. It has grown to 348 acres and is at 40% containment.

The Sunset Fire broke out above West Hollywood on Wednesday. It is at 43 acres and 0% containment.

Jan 08, 2025, 3:03 PM EST

Biden signed emergency declaration over fires

After being briefed on the four wildfires ablaze in Southern California, President Joe Biden said he signed a major disaster declaration over the California fires on Wednesday.

"It's astounding what's happening here," Biden told reporters.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks regarding the ongoing wildfires impacting Southern California alongside California Gov. Gavin Newsom at Santa Monica Fire Department Station 5 in Santa Monica, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025.
Stephanie Scarbrough/AP

A U.S flag flies as fire engulfs a structure while the Palisades Fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 7, 2025.
Ringo Chiu/Reuters

Biden said he has directed the Department of Defense to provide more firefighting needs and discussed the other resources that are being brought in to help.

He pledged that the federal government will continue to provide support for "as long as it takes."

Trees sway in high winds as the Eaton Fire burns structures Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, Calif.
Ethan Swope/AP

"We’re prepared to do anything and everything, as long as it takes, to tame these fires and help … make sure they get back to normal," Biden said, adding, "It’s going to be a hell of a long way."

Jan 08, 2025, 2:52 PM EST

Palisades Fire spreads to 11,802 acres

The Palisades Fire has spread to 11,802 acres with 0% containment, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters battle flames from the Palisades Fire on Jan. 8, 2025 in Malibu, Calif.
Eric Thayer/Getty Images

PHOTO: Smoke from the Palisades Fire is seen on Jan. 8, 2025 in Malibu, Calif.
Smoke from the Palisades Fire is seen on Jan. 8, 2025 in Malibu, Calif.
Apu Gomes/Getty Images

Jan 08, 2025, 2:17 PM EST

'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' 'Grey's Anatomy' among shows suspending production

"Jimmy Kimmel Live" as well as the dramas "Grey's Anatomy" and "Doctor Odyssey" have suspended production amid the fires, according to ABC.

Jan 08, 2025, 2:07 PM EST

2 Canadian air tankers helping fight fires

Two Canadian air tankers are helping fight wildfires in California, according to Quebec Minister of Public Security Francois Bonnardel.

Bonnardel said in a post on X that California Gov. Gavin Newsom can "count on the government of Quebec" and Quebec's forest fire protection agency for more support if needed.

-ABC News' Victoria Beaule

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