Ruth Haines
Wildfires in Los Angeles County have been causing widespread evacuations and damage. The fires have impacted flights, with some flights diverted and delayed, and passengers have reported smelling smoke in the cabin. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has remained open and operational throughout the fires, although high winds could make for bumpy approaches to the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 13 January 2025 |
| Number of deaths | 24 |
| Number of injuries | Hundreds |
| Number of buildings destroyed | 12,300 |
| Number of people evacuated | 105,000 |
| Number of fires | 3 |
| Fire locations | Eaton, north of Pasadena; Hurst, northwest of San Fernando; and Pacific Palisades, ten miles northwest of Downtown LA and adjoining Santa Monica |
| Cause of fires | Unknown, but possibly a combination of drought and Santa Ana winds |
| Status of fires | The Palisades fire was 14% contained; the Eaton fire was 33% contained; the Hurst fire was 95% contained; the Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia and Archer fires were 100% contained |
| Status of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Operational |
| Number of flight delays at LAX | 500 |
| Number of flight cancellations at LAX | 13 |
What You'll Learn
How are flights being affected?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has remained open and operational throughout the fires, but passengers have experienced delays and cancellations. The airport has advised passengers to check their flight status with their airline.
On Wednesday, January 8, one in five departures were delayed, according to FlightAware. There were also reports of diverted flights. Passengers on flights over LA recorded footage of the fires, with one describing the sky turning orange as the plane flew through smoke. Another said a "smoke smell filled the cabin" as the flight approached Los Angeles.
Hollywood Burbank Airport has also been affected by the fires, with 41 of its scheduled 70 departures cancelled on Wednesday due to winds. The airport is advising passengers to check their flight status with their airline.
Several airlines have waived change fees for flights to LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Ontario International Airport, and Santa Ana's John Wayne Airport.
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What is the impact on the ground?
The impact of the fires on the ground in Los Angeles has been devastating. As of Monday, January 13, 2025, 24 people have been reported dead, with hundreds injured, and tens of thousands evacuated from their homes. The fires have destroyed at least 12,300 buildings, including residential homes, businesses, and schools, and iconic landmarks such as the historic former home of American humorist Will Rogers.
The fires have led to widespread evacuations and damage, with entire neighborhoods destroyed. The LA County Sheriff's Department has enforced a curfew in evacuation zones from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to prevent looting. The fires have also disrupted essential services such as water and electricity, with some areas experiencing unsafe drinking water and power outages.
The poor air quality caused by the fires has also affected the daily lives of residents. The Los Angeles Smoke advisory was lifted on Sunday, January 12, but people in areas with visible smoke or the smell of smoke are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and limit physical exertion.
The fires have also impacted transportation and travel in Los Angeles. While Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has remained operational, there have been some flight delays and cancellations due to the fires and strong winds. Hollywood Burbank Airport has also been affected, with canceled and delayed flights. Several airlines have waived change fees for flights to and from LAX and other airports in the area.
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What is the air quality like?
The air quality in Los Angeles is poor, with the Los Angeles Smoke Advisory in place until Sunday, January 12, 2025, when it was downgraded from "unhealthy" to "moderate". However, the Los Angeles County Public Health officials still advise that people avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and limit physical exertion, be it indoor or outdoor. This is because smoke and ash can harm everyone, especially children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
The air quality index (AQI) is a scale used to determine the level of air pollution, with a good AQI ranging from 0 to 50. As of January 11, 2025, the AQI in Los Angeles was 151, which is considered unhealthy. To view the current AQI in your neighbourhood, you can download the South Coast AQMD app or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.
The poor air quality in Los Angeles is due to the wildfires in the region, which have led to widespread evacuations and damage. As of Monday, January 13, 2025, the fires had collectively scorched 40,588 acres, with powerful Santa Ana winds fanning the flames and reaching up to 100 mph at points. The National Weather Service has also issued a "Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning" for Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties from Monday night through Wednesday morning, warning of a high risk for large fires with the potential for very rapid spreading.
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What is the cause of the fires?
The cause of the fires in Los Angeles is a combination of drought and the so-called Santa Ana winds. Los Angeles hadn't had significant rain since the previous May and was experiencing its driest winter on record, making the vegetation tinder-dry. The Santa Ana winds are hot, dry gusts of air from California's interior that race seawards through the valleys of the Santa Ana mountains.
The combination of drought and strong winds led to the worst fire event in Los Angeles' history.
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What is the current status of the fires?
As of Monday, January 13, 2025, there are three active fires in Los Angeles County: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the Hurst Fire. The Kenneth brush fire, Lidia fire, Sunset fire, and Archer fire were all 100% contained as of Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Palisades Fire, which started around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, has burned 23,713 acres in the Pacific Palisades region and was 14% contained as of Monday, January 13, 2025. This fire has destroyed waterfront homes and businesses on Malibu's Pacific Coast Highway.
The Eaton Fire, which started around 6:18 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon, has burned 14,117 acres and was 33% contained as of Monday, January 13, 2025. This fire has threatened the historic observatory atop Mount Wilson.
The Hurst Fire in San Fernando Valley has burned 771 acres and was 95% contained as of Monday, January 13, 2025.
The fires have led to widespread evacuations and damage, with entire neighborhoods destroyed and a total of 24 reported deaths as of Sunday, January 12, 2025. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is enforcing a curfew in evacuation zones from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to prevent looting.
Strong winds, including powerful Santa Ana winds, have fueled the fires, with gusts of up to 100 mph reported. These winds are expected to pick up again on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 4:00 a.m. and continue through Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at noon, according to the National Weather Service.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has remained open and operational throughout the fires.
Yes, there have been some disruptions to flights in and around the city. About 500 flights were delayed and 13 were cancelled over one weekend as the fires raged. Delays and cancellations can also occur for reasons unrelated to the fires, such as weather conditions elsewhere or necessary maintenance on aircraft.
Other airports in the area, such as Hollywood Burbank Airport, have remained open but have experienced some disruption and cancellations due to the winds.
Yes, several airlines have issued waivers for change fees, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue. These waivers apply to travel to or from LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Ontario International Airport, and John Wayne Airport.
Yes, the FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions near the fires in Santa Monica and Altadena to keep the airspace clear for firefighting aviation operations.
