Palisades, Eaton fires in LA now 100% contained after deadly three-week battle
LOS ANGELES — The three-week-long fight to battle two deadly wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and countless lives reached an important recovery milestone Saturday as officials announced that the Palisades and Eaton Fires are now 100% contained. The containment means that though flames are still smoldering, firefighters have surrounded the entire footprint of the wildfire with fire breaks that should prevent any further spread.But although the flames are another important step closer to eventually meeting their demise, their devastating impact will live on for years to come for Southern California.The fires began on Jan.
7 in northern Los Angeles County during one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events to hit the region in more than 10 years, with winds in some areas reaching nearly 100 mph.Such powerful winds, along with dry conditions, caused the flames to spread at break-neck speed, burning through entire neighborhoods and causing mass evacuations.So far, the death toll remains at 29 people.The Eaton Fire, located north of Pasadena, ended up burning over 14,000 acres.
It destroyed nearly 10,000 homes, businesses, schools and other structures, and caused at least 17 confirmed deaths.Southwest from the Eaton Fire, the Palisades Fire burned almost 24,000 acres between Malibu and Santa Monica.It destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, including historic sites, and caused at least 12 confirmed deaths.
The two fires now both rank as the worst wildfires in Southern California history.The fire also led to the closure of parts of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, a critical transportation artery which runs through the Palisades neighborhood, the namesake of the Palisades Fire.Areas of the roadway were engulfed in flames and smoke, leading to road closures by law enforcement officials.
But in another milestone for the fire’s recovery, the PCH is scheduled to reopen on Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol.The Palisades and Eaton Fires ...