7 January

The first fire ignites
The Palisades Fire breaks out, prompting an emergency alert to LA residents urging those near the fire to prepare for “a potential evacuation.” Later that day, the City of Santa Monica issued an “Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW” for all areas north of San Vicente.

Two more wildfires begin
Just hours after the first wildfire started, the second one, known as the Eaton Fire, erupted in the Altadena area of LA. Soon after, the Hurst Fire began in the Sylmar area as the National Weather Service recorded gusts of 99mph. A new evacuation order was issued for the affected areas as the fires spread quickly, burning thousands of acres and destroying homes and businesses.

9 January

Inmates enlisted to help combat fires
Hundreds of incarcerated individuals were sent to assist in fighting the escalating wildfires, with 939 inmates reported at the frontline, according to the BBC.

This practice is not unusual in California, one of 14 US states that utilize inmates to aid in firefighting efforts. Inmates volunteer for the task, with reports indicating they are paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day.

However, inmates with certain convictions, such as those for arson and sexual offenses, are ineligible to participate.

10 January

Suspect arrested for arson
Three days after the initial fire began, the LAPD made an arrest following claims from local residents who said they saw a man on a bicycle carrying a large blowtorch and attempting to set bins and discarded Christmas trees on fire.

Authorities suspect that the Kenneth Fire was deliberately set, and the man believed to be responsible is now in custody.

A billion-dollar energy company is under investigation for a potential connection to recent wildfires.

Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of the major energy company Edison International, acknowledged that its grid experienced a short circuit on January 7, the same evening the first fires broke out.

“On January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting,” Edison International stated in a press release.

“SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately 10:10pm on 7 January, and preliminary information reflects the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11pm. A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit. SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”

A-list celebrities forced out of their homes

Numerous A-list celebrities have been forced to evacuate their homes, with many of them now destroyed. Among those affected are Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy.

13 January

40,000 acres of land lost
As reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, over 40,000 acres have been consumed by the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, and Hurst fires.

Among the destruction are more than 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses.

The death toll increases
Nearly a week after the fires began, the LA County medical examiner has confirmed that 24 people have lost their lives due to the blazes.

Authorities have also stated that “at least another 23 people remain missing.”