California Wildfires: Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes Fires
The recent wildfires in Southern California have had a devastating impact on the Los Angeles area. The Palisades and Eaton fires have burned fifty-nine (59) sq miles, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and resulted in twenty-nine (29) fatalities. At least fourteen (14) people remain missing.
The fires began at approximately 10:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday 7 January 2025 when the Palisades fire was first identified amid dangerously high winds and dry conditions that left vegetation primed to burn. The Eaton Fire ignited shortly after 6:15 p.m. the same day.
On Wednesday 22 January, the Hughes fire broke out approximately fifty (50) miles north of Los Angeles, rapidly spreading to nearly fifteen (15) square miles and fueled by dry brush and strong winds. No cause has yet been identified for any of the large blazes. Together, these fires are estimated to have caused over $250 billion in damages and displaced thousands of residents.
As of Friday, January 31, 2025, both the Palisades and Eaton fires have been fully contained, and evacuation orders have been lifted.
Firefighters have worked tirelessly to bring these blazes under control, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began clearing hazardous debris from the affected areas this week. Rebuilding will take years. The ECI Board of Directors and staff send our thoughts and best wishes to all those impacted by these devastating wildfires.
If you are interested in donating or helping with relief efforts, there are several ways to contribute:
- The American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/wildfire-relief.html?srsltid=AfmBOooAJDZ5CQUEAvClwOfS_zhB8KszzVPIYLLBdx9q5mbMACU6NErN)
- California Fire Foundation: Wildfire & Disaster Relief (https://www.cafirefoundation.org/what-we-do/for-communities/disaster-relief)
- World Central Kitchen (https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=navbar)
- California Community Foundation: Wildfire Recovery Fund (https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/)
- Direct Relief: California Fire Relief (https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/california-wildfires/)
- Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA): ReBUILD LA (https://www.habitatla.org/how-to-apply/disaster-relief/)