8th January 2025 – (Sacramento) Raging wildfires in Southern California prompted the evacuation of approximately 30,000 residents on Tuesday as fierce winds and dry conditions exacerbated the situation. The fires, which have destroyed homes and cloaked the sky in smoke, are being driven by wind gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour—the strongest in over a decade. Traffic was severely congested along Sunset Boulevard as residents attempted to escape the Pacific Palisades, an affluent neighbourhood with a population of around 24,000. In the evening, evacuation orders were issued for northern Santa Monica due to an immediate threat to life.
By that time, the fire had already scorched nearly 3,000 acres, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the Pacific Ocean. Evacuation orders were extended to areas along the Pacific Coast Highway, and warnings were issued for parts of Calabasas amid concerns of further spread. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is investigating the cause of the blaze, while multiple agencies have mobilised resources, including strike teams and aerial support.
In a separate incident, a new brush fire erupted in Eaton Canyon, consuming 400 acres in under two hours, which led to mandatory evacuations in nearby Pasadena and Altadena. In response to the escalating situation, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Ventura and Los Angeles Counties due to the critical wind event. Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley noted that multiple structures have been damaged, although no injuries have been reported. The Getty Villa confirmed that its staff and collections remain safe, despite some damage to the grounds. Additionally, more than 80,000 customers lost power, either from high winds or precautionary shutoffs by utility providers to prevent fire risks.
