Firefighters held the line against two massive wildfires in Los Angeles on Tuesday, despite dry conditions and desert winds. Over 8,500 firefighters from seven states and two foreign countries have battled the blazes since January 7, using aircraft and ground crews to prevent further spread.
The Palisades Fire remains at 23,713 acres with 18% containment, while the Eaton Fire has burned 14,117 acres and is 35% contained. Hazardous Santa Ana winds, carrying embers up to 2 miles, are expected to peak early Wednesday with gusts up to 70 mph.
The fires have claimed 25 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures, leaving neighborhoods in ashes. Nearly 88,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with another 84,000 on alert.
Pacific Palisades homeowners Karina Maher and Michael Kovac, whose fire-resilient home survived, expressed “survivor guilt.” Meanwhile, Altadena resident John Adolph recounted harrowing scenes of burning buildings and exploding cars as he attempted to salvage belongings.
Urban search teams are conducting safety inspections, while the Getty Center’s priceless art collection remains secure due to its fire-resistant design.
With damages estimated at $250–$275 billion, the wildfires could become the costliest U.S. natural disaster, surpassing Hurricane Katrina. Political tensions over disaster aid have emerged, with Republicans proposing funding offsets, drawing criticism from Democrats.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the destruction “unimaginable,” as the city braces for an extensive recovery effort.
Also read: Wildfires Turn California’s Crisis Into Political Battleground
