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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.

Last Updated: January 9, 2025, 6:26 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.

Jan 9, 3:40 am

Tracking active Southern California wildfires

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection listed five major active wildfires spread around the Los Angeles area as of Wednesday night.

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. 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, 4:52 PM EST

1 person in critical condition

UCLA Hospitals said it treated and released 21 people suffering from fire-related injuries and has admitted one victim who is in critical condition.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services said it’s treating patients suffering from smoke inhalation, but did not confirm how many.

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

Jan 08, 2025, 4:49 PM EST

Critics Choice Awards postponed

The Critics Choice Awards, which was set to be held on Sunday, has been postponed.

The ceremony will be held on Jan. 26 in Santa Monica.

"This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected," Critics Choice Awards CEO Joey Berlin said in a statement.

Jan 08, 2025, 4:44 PM EST

Palisades Fire spreads to nearly 16,000 acres

The Palisades Fire has spread to 15,832 acres with 0% containment, according to Cal Fire.

The fire has destroyed at least 300 structures, with 13,306 other structures at risk.

The remains of houses along the Pacific Ocean burned by the Palisades wildfire in Malibu, California, Jan. 8, 2025.
Caroline Brehman/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jan 08, 2025, 4:31 PM EST

'I've never seen the winds in my 25-year career': LA fire chief

During the briefing with President Joe Biden, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley spoke of how unprecedented this fire event is.

"We knew there was a potential for significant threat to our constituents due to the weather event. High-high-high winds. I've never seen the winds in my 25-year career," Crowley said.

Houses burn as a result of the Eaton wildfire in Altadena, California, Jan. 8, 2025.
Caroline Brehman/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell echoed that sentiment.

"What we saw here in the last 24 hours is unprecedented. I've never seen anything like this," he said.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone told Biden they are now getting out-of-state resources, specifically from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. They also have requested 250 more fire engines and 1,000 personnel to help respond, he said.

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

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