Last Updated on October 5, 2026 by Ayoko Francisca Ahite

Santa Ana winds set Los Angeles on fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, causing more than 80,000 residents to evacuate. The wildfires started in the Pacific Palisades area Tuesday morning and quickly spread to the Eaton and Hurst areas later in the day. Unfortunately, many residential and commercial buildings, including stores, churches, schools, and elderly centers, burned to the ground.

Thousands of residents face power outages, but that might be the least of their concerns. For most, the priority is to be safe. Although the exact number is not yet known, multiple people have reportedly been injured, including a firefighter who sustained a severe head injury. Authorities say they are recovering in local hospitals. Moreover, at least five people died in the Eaton Fire, according to the Associated Press.

A new fire erupts in the Hollywood Hills Wednesday night.

At around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a new fire, dubbed the “Sunset Fire,” erupted in the Hollywood Hills, causing even more chaos and panic. By 6:30 p.m., officials estimated that the new blaze had swept through at least 20 acres in the Runyon Canyon area and reached 60 acres by 9 p.m. Immediate evacuation orders were issued for residents living on West Laurel Canyon Blvd, South Hollywood Blvd, North Mulholland Drive, and East Cahuenga Blvd/101 Fwy/Highland Avenue.

An NBC News reporter interviewed a resident who feared his condo potentially catching fire. He said, “Oh my gosh…this is my life right here. I spent my whole life savings to buy a condo here. I lost my family during COVID, so I don’t have anybody to call or anything. So, it feels a little bit scary.” When asked if he was ready to evacuate, he said, “I am gonna stay right now, but if it catches fire, I will leave.”

As courageous firefighters work tirelessly to control the fires, authorities warn the worst might still be to come because the winds show no sign of dying down soon.