Weekend Rainfall Boosts Containment of 3 Major LA County Wildfires

Weekend Rainfall Boosts Containment of 3 Major LA County Wildfires
TORCHSTAR CORP

LOS ANGELES — A weekend storm delivered Southern California’s first significant rainfall of the season, providing critical aid to firefighters battling three major wildfires across Los Angeles County. Containment figures surged for the deadly Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires, all of which ignited earlier this month under extreme weather conditions.

Palisades Fire Nears Full Containment
The coastal Palisades Fire, which erupted January 7 during a destructive Santa Ana wind event, has burned 23,400 acres and is now 94% contained. The blaze, responsible for leveling entire neighborhoods in its path, saw minimal activity over the weekend due to rainfall and humidity. Fire officials credit crews with securing perimeter lines despite challenging terrain.

Eaton Fire: 98% Contained
In the foothill communities of Altadena and Pasadena, the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire reached 98% containment Sunday. The firestorm, also sparked during January’s historic windstorm, forced mass evacuations and destroyed dozens of structures. While rain reduced immediate threats, authorities warned residents to remain alert for mudslide risks in scorched areas.

Hughes Fire Progress in Castaic Region
Further north, firefighters achieved 95% containment on the Hughes Fire near Castaic. The 10,400-acre blaze, which began January 22, spread rapidly through dry brush before cooler temperatures and weekend precipitation slowed its advance. Crews continue mopping up hotspots as evacuation orders lift for nearby communities.

Meteorologists noted the storm brought between 0.5–1.5 inches of rain across the region, offering temporary relief but underscoring lingering drought concerns. While no new evacuations were issued Sunday, officials urged residents in fire zones to monitor updates amid potential post-fire debris flow risks.

Related posts

  • Rain Brings Respite to LA Wildfires, but New Threats Emerge: Mudslides and Toxic Ash

    Rain Brings Respite to LA Wildfires, but New Threats Emerge: Mudslides and Toxic Ash

    Southern California faces cascading threats of mudslides and toxic runoff as heavy rainfall hits wildfire-ravaged regions, prompting urgent warnings from officials. The National Weather Service issued flood watches for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, including burn scars from recent fires, forecasting up to 3 inches of rain and debris flows. Toxic ash laden with heavy metals risks contaminating waterways, spurring EPA and local crews to clear hazardous debris. Residents are urged to avoid flood zones, wear protective gear, and heed evacuation orders. While firefighters report containment progress on major blazes, officials stress vigilance: “Nature’s giving us a break from flames, but now we’ve got to outsmart the mud.”

  • Coastline homes damaged and destroyed by the Palisades Fire, and some spared, are seen from the water, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    California Governor Waives Coastal Permitting Rules to Accelerate Wildfire Recovery

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom fast-tracked wildfire recovery efforts by suspending coastal development regulations, bypassing permits to expedite rebuilding for over 38,000 acres burned in the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires. The order, paired with federal debris cleanup aid and extended housing protections, aims to assist thousands displaced by the blazes, which caused an estimated $250 billion in losses and 27 deaths. Experts warn of long-term financial and logistical hurdles, while weekend rains heightened mudslide risks in burn zones, drawing comparisons to Montecito’s fatal 2018 debris flows. As containment nears 100%, officials urge vigilance against lingering threats.