After three weeks of devastation, fire crews have fully contained both the Eaton and Palisades fires, which scorched thousands of acres and claimed more than a dozen lives.
Cal Fire announced that the 14,000-acre blaze reached 100% containment on January 31. The fires, which ignited on January 7, quickly spread due to fierce winds, preventing aerial firefighting efforts in the critical early hours.
Within a week, the flames consumed over 23,000 acres, destroying homes and businesses across Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Evacuations were ordered in parts of Los Angeles County, including Bel-Air, Brentwood, and Santa Monica. The Eaton Fire alone destroyed at least 7,000 structures.
Palisades Fire Investigation
The cause of the Palisades Fire remains under investigation. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, Skull Rock, a well-known hiking spot north of Sunset Boulevard, is being examined as a potential ignition point.
While authorities have made multiple arrests at the fire scenes, none have been directly linked to the fire’s origin. Over the weekend, officials announced the arrest of a man accused of impersonating a firefighter and attempting to burglarize an evacuated home. Other arson-related arrests have also been made across Southern California.
Eaton Fire Investigation
The Eaton Fire’s cause is also under investigation, though extreme drought conditions and unusually strong Santa Ana winds—gusting at 100 mph—were significant factors in its rapid spread.
A lawsuit filed Monday alleges that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked the fire. The lawsuit claims the utility company neglected to maintain power lines and clear overgrown vegetation, violating essential fire safety regulations.
As investigations continue, officials warn that California remains at high risk for wildfires due to persistent dry conditions and strong seasonal winds.
