New wildfires erupt in California as blazes rage in Los Angeles area amid 'particularly dangerous' fire threat
Fire officials said the Pamo Fire ignited Tuesday morning in San Diego County while the Auto Fire broke out late Monday night in Ventura.
Winds spark new wildfires in Southern California
Amid a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warning, wildfires in Southern California continue to burn. FOX Business Correspondent Max Gorden gives an update on containment and wind conditions of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades.
LOS ANGELES – New wildfires have erupted in California as thousands of firefighters continue their work to extinguish other deadly blazes that have been raging across the Los Angeles area since last week.
The third new wildfire to start since Monday, began Tuesday afternoon in Riverside. Titled the Scout Fire, it has burned 2 acres so far and is 0% contained.
Watch: Crews work to extinguish Auto Fire in California
Officials in Ventura shared video of crews working to extinguish the Auto Fire on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Farther north, the Auto Fire ignited late Monday night in Ventura and scorched about 56 acres before crews got the upper hand and stopped the flames from advancing.
Ventura County Fire reports the firefighters have the fire 25% contained. The new number updates previous information from CAL FIRE and the City of Oxnard earlier Tuesday that had said the Auto Fire was 100% contained.
Watch: Flames from Auto Fire in Ventura burn landscape
A video shared from California shows firefighters at the scene of the Auto Fire in Ventura on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
On Tuesday morning, crews raced to the scene of a vegetation fire near Pamo Road in the community of Ramona in San Diego County.
According to CAL FIRE, the Pamo Fire was reported to be about 10 acres before the fire's progress was halted.
But with the new fire starts comes a morsel of good news for firefighters in that the renewed Santa Ana wind event has so far come in a bit weaker than forecast for Tuesday, sparing the region from some of the higher feared gusts — though gusts still remain quite strong.
The National Weather Service has pulled back their most dire "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warnings from Tuesday and now will delay its start until early Wednesday morning during the expected peak of this week’s main wind event.
However, officials stress this is no time for residents to let their guard down, as fire conditions remain critical to extreme and any new fires would have ample wind and fuel to explode in size.
California wildfire death toll rises to 24, dozens missing
![Firefighters from the California Conservation Corps work to contain the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images]()
Image 1 of 36Firefighters from the California Conservation Corps work to contain the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )
![This photo shows a firefighter at the scene of the Auto Fire in Ventura, California, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.]()
Image 2 of 36This photo shows a firefighter at the scene of the Auto Fire in Ventura, California, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (@VCFD_PIO/X)
![A plane drops fire retardant during the Eaton Fire near Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images]()
Image 3 of 36A plane drops fire retardant during the Eaton Fire near Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )
![PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 4 of 36PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 5 of 36PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 6 of 36PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of utility vehicles parked near beachfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Malibu, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 7 of 36MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of utility vehicles parked near beachfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Malibu, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 8 of 36PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 9 of 36PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of a fire truck near homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)]()
Image 10 of 36PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: An aerial view of a fire truck near homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds continue to burn across Los Angeles County, with some containment achieved. According to reports, 24 people have died with over 180,000 people under evacuation order or warning. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged, while more than 35,000 acres have burned. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) ( )
![Patrick O'Neal sifts through his home after it was destroyed by the Palisades wildfire on January 13, 2025 in Malibu, California.]()
Image 11 of 36Patrick O'Neal sifts through his home after it was destroyed by the Palisades wildfire on January 13, 2025 in Malibu, California. (Brandon Bell)
![Utah firefighters responding to the Palisades Fire near Los Angeles, California on Jan. 11, 2024.]()
Image 12 of 36Utah firefighters responding to the Palisades Fire near Los Angeles, California on Jan. 11, 2024. (Utah Unified Fire)
![An Arizona fire crew on scene at the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, California on Jan. 8, 2025.]()
Image 13 of 36An Arizona fire crew on scene at the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, California on Jan. 8, 2025. (Rich Jones/Arizona Forestry Battalion Chief assigned to Task Force 1 )
![Engines ready in Nevada to respond to the California wildfires.]()
Image 14 of 36Engines ready in Nevada to respond to the California wildfires. (Las Vegas Fire and Rescue)
![Texas wildland firefighters ready to travel to California to help with the LA wildfires.]()
Image 15 of 36Texas wildland firefighters ready to travel to California to help with the LA wildfires. (Houston Fire Department)
![A man looks out over the wreckage of his home from the Palisades Fire.]()
Image 16 of 36A man looks out over the wreckage of his home from the Palisades Fire. (Annestacia Komarovsk via Storyful)
![Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked panic, with thousands ordered to evacuate January 7, 2025 as "life threatening" winds whipped the region.]()
Image 17 of 36Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked panic, with thousands ordered to evacuate January 7, 2025 as "life threatening" winds whipped the region. (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)
![A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025.]()
Image 18 of 36A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
![A helicopter makes a water drop on fire that encroaches on a home in the Mandeville Canyon area where homes were evacuated on Saturday, January 11, 2025.]()
Image 19 of 36A helicopter makes a water drop on fire that encroaches on a home in the Mandeville Canyon area where homes were evacuated on Saturday, January 11, 2025. (Mindy Schauer/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
![A firefighter works on a hillside during the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. At least two rounds of vicious, dry Santa Ana winds are expected to blast through Southern California early this week, bringing powerful gusts that will challenge fire crews struggling to contain two destructive blazes and likely force thousands more residents to evacuate. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images]()
Image 20 of 36A firefighter works on a hillside during the aftermath of the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, US, on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. At least two rounds of vicious, dry Santa Ana winds are expected to blast through Southern California early this week, bringing powerful gusts that will challenge fire crews struggling to contain two destructive blazes and likely force thousands more residents to evacuate. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )
![A cadaver dog, from the Los Angeles County Sheriff, sniffs through the rubble of beachfront properties destroyed by the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, on January 12, 2025. US officials warned "dangerous and strong" winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas January 12 as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 21 of 36A cadaver dog, from the Los Angeles County Sheriff, sniffs through the rubble of beachfront properties destroyed by the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, on January 12, 2025. US officials warned "dangerous and strong" winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas January 12 as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) ( )
![ALTADENA CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: A sign reading 'Looters will be shot' stands in a mandatory evacuation zone at the Eaton Fire on January 12, 2025 in Altadena, California. The death toll from the Eaton Fire rose to 16 today as search and rescue teams go through the ruins of thousands of homes. More than 7,000 structures, mostly homes, were damaged or destroyed as a powerful Santa Ana wind event pushed flames farther into the city than even many fire experts expected. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)]()
Image 22 of 36ALTADENA CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: A sign reading 'Looters will be shot' stands in a mandatory evacuation zone at the Eaton Fire on January 12, 2025 in Altadena, California. The death toll from the Eaton Fire rose to 16 today as search and rescue teams go through the ruins of thousands of homes. More than 7,000 structures, mostly homes, were damaged or destroyed as a powerful Santa Ana wind event pushed flames farther into the city than even many fire experts expected. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) ( )
![Firefighters work while smoke rises because of the growing Palisades fire in Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 2025.]()
Image 23 of 36Firefighters work while smoke rises because of the growing Palisades fire in Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest among the Los Angeles wildfires, pushed into new neighborhoods on January 11, prompting additional evacuations and diminishing optimism for containment. Since January 7, several fires have ravaged residential areas across the city, leaving at least 16 people dead and reducing thousands of homes to rubble. US President Joe Biden compared the destruction to a "war zone." (Photo by Ali Matin / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by ALI MATIN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) ( )
![BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Fire air operations drop fire retardant, on flames from the Palisades Fire, along Mandeville Canyon, photographed from the Mountaingate development, above Mandeville, January 11, 2025, in the Brentwood community of Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images)]()
Image 24 of 36BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Fire air operations drop fire retardant, on flames from the Palisades Fire, along Mandeville Canyon, photographed from the Mountaingate development, above Mandeville, January 11, 2025, in the Brentwood community of Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images) ( )
![SYLMAR, CA - JANUARY 08: The Hurst fire burns in the hills above Sylmar, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.]()
Image 25 of 36SYLMAR, CA - JANUARY 08: The Hurst fire burns in the hills above Sylmar, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
![CALIFORNIA, USA - JANUARY 10: Firefighting planes and helicopters dump water on flames during the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images)]()
Image 26 of 36CALIFORNIA, USA - JANUARY 10: Firefighting planes and helicopters dump water on flames during the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images) ( )
![Flames from the Palisades Fire burn along the ridge line near Mandeville Canyon while fire crews attempt to prevent northern expansion toward homes around and into the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2024. The fire has set in place new evacuation warnings and can be seen near Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods. (Photo by Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)]()
Image 27 of 36Flames from the Palisades Fire burn along the ridge line near Mandeville Canyon while fire crews attempt to prevent northern expansion toward homes around and into the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2024. The fire has set in place new evacuation warnings and can be seen near Encino and Tarzana neighborhoods. (Photo by Brontë Wittpenn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) ( )
![A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods January 11, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since January 7, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene." (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 28 of 36A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods January 11, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since January 7, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene." (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) ( )
![Wildfires in Mandeville Canyon, LA]()
Image 29 of 36LOS ANGELES, USA - JANUARY 11: A view of wildfires in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, United States on January 11, 2025. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 30 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 31 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 32 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 33 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 34 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 35 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
![Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California.]()
Image 36 of 36Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, California. (Robert Ray)
Officials said at least 24 people have been killed as a result of the wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area, and dozens of people remain missing.
The death toll is expected to rise as investigators continue to search the rubble of burned structures with K9s and cadaver dogs.
"It is a very grim task. And unfortunately, every day we're doing this, we're running across the remains of individual community members," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. "That is not easy work."
Crews from across the U.S. and around the world have gathered in Southern California to join in on the around-the-clock fight against the wildfires that continue to scorch the landscape.
Drones, crime impact Palisades Fire response
Deadly California wildfires continue to rage as winds begin to pick up
Dangerous Santa Ana winds are returning to the Los Angeles area as crews continue their work to get a handle on deadly wildfires across the region. FOX Business Correspondent Max Gorden was in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday and broke down the latest information as well as explaining the difference between fire containment and active fire.
- Size: 23,713 acres
- Containment: 14%
- Cause: Under investigation
- Structures threatened: 12,250
- Structures destroyed: 1,280
- Structures damaged: 204
Tuesday marks one week since the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires broke out in the Los Angeles area in Southern California.
Since then, thousands of firefighters have been attacking the flames from the ground and the air in a desperate attempt to stop the flames from spreading and destroying countless homes and businesses.
And that fight is far from over.
"(Firefighters) are expecting to see those strong Santa Ana winds pick up again," FOX News Correspondent Connor Hansen said. "But I can tell you from standing here, it does still feel relatively calm. So, hopefully, they’re still taking advantage of that."
Watch: California wildfire spreads to new neighborhood, destroying property and burning hillsides
Shifting winds have caused the Palisades Fire in Southern California to spread eastward, threatening homes in the neighborhood of Mandeville Canyon.
Officials have been busy pre-deploying resources across the region with the hopes that any new wildfires that do break out could be brought under control quickly before spreading rapidly.
Officials have also been pleading with residents to pay attention to conditions and listen to any and all evacuation warnings if they are issued.
"We are not in the clear," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristen Crowley said. "We must not let our guard down as we have, right now, extreme fire behavior. And we need to make sure that the community is staying updated with the most information. Follow all evacuation warnings and orders without delay."
Crews have been relentlessly attacking the Palisades Fire as the flames have continued to destroy home after home over the past week. The Palisades Fire is already the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.
HAUNTING ALTADENA BEFORE-AND-AFTER PHOTOS DETAIL WILDFIRE DESTRUCTION
'Firenado' spins up in Southern California wildfires
A fire whirl, sometimes referred to as a 'firenado', was spotted at around 10:45 p.m. in the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Friday night.
Tens of thousands of residents have been anxiously awaiting word as to when they can return home, but they will have to wait a bit longer as the wildfire fight continues.
Officials have been asking for patience.
"Those people are saying, ‘I just want to go look at my house and I want to see what’s left.’ We know that. But we have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. "Please be patient with us. There are a lot of hazards in the area still."
Crime and drones have also been hindering the response and investigation.
WATCH AS MALIBU COUPLE RETURNS TO HOME LEFT IN ASHES AFTER PALISADES FIRE: ‘IT’S STILL SMOLDERING'
Satellite images show neighborhoods engulfed in smoke from LA fires
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC captured on Thursday showed Los Angeles neighborhoods engulfed in smoke from the Palisades and Eaton fires as flames began to consume houses. Nearly 30,000 acres of land has been burned in the wildfires around Los Angeles, with over 10,000 structures destroyed, according to Cal Fire. The fires have left at least 10 people dead.
Illegally flown drones caused issues within the perimeter of the Palisades Fire, and a firefighting aircraft collided with a drone on Thursday, forcing the plane to be grounded due to damage.
That aircraft, known as a "super scooper," was repaired, and officials said it was expected to return to the sky on Tuesday afternoon to join back in on the wildfire fight.
Dozens of people have also been arrested, including several people who were illegally using drones, breaking curfew or on burglary charges.
"Regarding arrests, we had a few more arrests overnight," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. "We are up to 39. That's 33 in the Eaton Fire area and six in the Palisades area."
ATF assisting local, state and federal investigators in determining cause of Palisades Fire
Pacific Palisades, CA - January 13: LAPD officers keep the public and media out of the Skull Rock Trailhead in an area that is under investigation as a potential starting point for the Palisades fire on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Response Team (NRT) deployed to the Los Angeles area to investigate the Palisades Fire as it continues to ravage the region.
According to information provided by the ATF, 15 investigators from across the U.S. arrived in Los Angeles over the weekend to help ATF-certified fire investigators (CFIs) who have been working with local, state and federal agencies.
"The NRT brings a wealth of experience and expertise to these types of investigations," Brice McCracken, ATF Special Agent in Charge, National Center for Explosives Training and Research, said in a statement. "The NRT is committed to working closely with our partners to determine the origin and cause of the Pacific Palisades Fire."
In addition to the CFIs, the team of investigators comprises special agents, chemists, engineers and investigative research specialists.
"ATF is fully dedicated to providing answers to the Pacific Palisades community," Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF Los Angeles Field Division Jose Medina said in a statement. "These wildfires have caused immeasurable heartbreak and losses. ATF is determined to leverage every available resource to deliver a thorough and transparent investigation."
Crews make ‘significant progress’ working deadly Eaton Fire
Firefighters from the California Conservation Corps work to contain the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Getty Images)
- Size: 14,117 acres
- Containment: 35%
- Cause: Under investigation
- Structures threatened: 39,428
- Structures destroyed: 2,722
- Structures damaged: 329
Officials say they have made significant progress in the fight against the Eaton Fire.
"The good news is that for the last two days, we've had no increase in acreage at the Eaton Fire," Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a news conference on Tuesday.
CAL FIRE said that crews would continue to reinforce and maintain containment lines on Tuesday to ensure perimeter control and a Mobile Retardant Base was established at Mt. Wilson to support air operations.
Dangerous Santa Ana winds are expected to increase, and that will increase the risk of spot fires, downed trees and power lines, as well as increasing fire activity in areas filled with unburned fuels.
Power has been preemptively shut off in many areas with the hopes that if power lines are brought down, it won't triggger a fire.
"I ask all Los Angeles County residents in wildfire-prone areas to understand that the necessary public safety power shutoff are going to prevent our next fire from starting if we have downed power lines," Marrone continued. "I know that this is a challenge, but it is necessary for our collective safety."
On Monday night, fire engines, bulldozers and other crews were staged in communities and foothills near NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and are "ready to respond if needed."
PETS BOARD EMERGENCY FLIGHT OUT OF CALIFORNIA AS WILDFIRES RAGE ACROSS LOS ANGELES AREA
A plane drops fire retardant during the Eaton Fire near Altadena, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Getty Images)
In addition, Urban Search and Rescue efforts, infrastructure assessments, hazardous material response and damage assessments are ongoing in communities on the southern edge of the Eaton Fire.
On Monday, a lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Southern California Edison Co. alleging the Eaton Fire ignited from SCE's wires. However, no official cause of the fires has been established.
Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said the Los Angeles Regional Wildlife Investigative Task Force was established to identify the cause of the fires, but their work is still in the early stages.
"We're committed to identifying the cause and origin of these fires. And we're also committed to holding anyone who is responsible for these fires accountable and to further protect the residents of Los Angeles and the city," Choi said.
Santa Ana winds add to ‘particularly dangerous’ fire weather threat in Southern California
Santa Ana winds expected to worsen overnight, increasing risk for wildfire activity
The National Weather Service has pulled back their most dire "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Fire Weather Warnings from Tuesday and now will delay its start until early Wednesday morning during the expected peak of this week’s main wind event.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Fire Weather Warning for much of the Inland Empire and Interstate 5 corridor north of Los Angeles. The original alert went into effect Tuesday but has since been pushed back to begin Wednesday morning after Tuesday's winds were weaker than forecast.
The FOX Forecast Center said that strong Santa Ana winds have been ongoing across the region as the long-duration, multi-round fire weather event hits its peak.
For most, the winds are not as strong as they were last week when the infernos began to burn everything in their path. However, they’re still dangerous and could help new or existing fires show erratic behavior and spread rapidly.
This graphic shows the Fire Weather Warnings in effect in Southern California.
(FOX Weather)
Winds are actually stronger in Ventura County than what was experienced last week, however.
The FOX Forecast Center said that in the valleys, northeasterly winds have been sustained between 20 and 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
POWERFUL IMAGES SHOW LOS ANGELES HEROES ON FRONT LINES OF CALIFORNIA'S HISTORIC WILDFIRES
(FOX Weather)
A few 70-mph gusts are also possible in parts of the San Gabriel, Santa Susana and western Santa Monica mountains.
The FOX Forecast Center said that there will be occasional lulls in the winds, but any decrease in winds through Tuesday night will be brief.
Fire Weather Warnings that are in effect across much of the region will last through Wednesday and some may be now be extended into Thursday as the dry, windy pattern continues.
Significant weakening of the winds is expected later on Thursday as many areas see a shift to onshore winds, which will also bring in some increasing humidity that will aid in the firefight.
Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and enable notifications to be alerted to new developments with the Auto Fire as well as other fires burning in the Los Angeles area.