explainer

Wind conditions will calm Thursday, but authorities warn another round of Santa Ana winds is possible early next week.

Firefighters battling wildfires in Los Angeles made significant progress on Wednesday after dangerous wind-driven fire conditions subsided, but officials warned the threat is far from over.

A Cal Fire spokesman described the ongoing fight as fraught with “extreme risk and potential for fire growth.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged caution, saying: “We are not out of the woods yet.”

Calmer conditions brought relief to Los Angeles, the second-largest metropolitan area in the United States, which was on edge as flames threatened surrounding communities.

Here’s what we know:

What are the latest developments on the ground?

Number of dead and missing

• The fires killed at least 25 people – nine in the Palisades Fire and 16 in the Eaton Fire.

Active fires:

• Barrier fire: The largest of the three major wildfires has burned 9,596 hectares (23,713 acres) in and around Pacific Palisades and is 21 percent contained. Fire crews are working to prevent the fire from reaching Brentwood, home of the Getty Center Museum.
• Eaton fire: East of Los Angeles, this wildfire is the most devastating in terms of fatalities, killing 16 people. It burned more than 5,712 hectares (14,117 acres), and is 45 percent contained.

• Hearst fire: Near San Fernando to the north, this fire burned 323 hectares (799 acres). Firefighters are close to 98 percent containment.
• Automatic fire: The fire caught fire in a river bed in Ventura County and quickly spread to 24 hectares (61 acres). Firefighters halted their advance, and by Tuesday evening, according to Cal Fire, the fire was 85 percent contained.
• Little Mountain Fire: According to local media reports, the San Bernardino County Fire Department, located just east of Los Angeles County, reported responding to a wildfire on Wednesday afternoon. The fire quickly burned 12 hectares (30 acres) in a hilly area and posed a potential threat to buildings. The fire cannot be contained.

Santa Ana winds

• Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to subside across Southern California, bringing temporary relief to the region.
• By Friday, a shift in wind direction will bring in more humid air, which, coupled with lighter winds, should reduce fire risks over the weekend.
• However, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned that another round of Santa Ana winds could develop on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Their strength remains uncertain.

Good news: We expect the much-needed respite from fire weather concerns to end this week. The bad news: Next week is a worry. While we are confident that we will not witness a repeat of what happened last week, dangerous weather conditions are expected due to the fires. #cawx #PalisadesFire #EtonFire pic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp

– NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

Damage and evacuations:

• The fires caused the displacement of up to 200,000 people.
• As of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that approximately 82,400 people were under evacuation orders, with another 90,400 people under evacuation warnings.

What to expect on Thursday?

Conditions are expected to begin to improve, and wind speeds are expected to continue to decrease.

“The really good news is that today will be the last really windy day,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Look for a noticeable decrease in winds this afternoon.”

However, gusty winds and relative humidity below 15 percent will allow any new ignited fires to spread quickly.

On Thursday, the intensity of the offshore winds will decrease, leading to a drop in temperatures. By Friday, winds will move onshore, cooling Southern California even further.

According to an Associated Press report, firefighters and police still face new challenges. Since the fires began last week, authorities have arrested about six people accused of starting small fires, all of which were quickly extinguished.

One suspect admitted to starting a fire in a tree because he “liked the smell of burning leaves,” according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Another admitted she “enjoyed causing chaos and destruction,” the president said Wednesday.

Keep a jacket handy. Temperatures will drop between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius during the rest of the week, and the weather will be cold on Friday. #cawx pic.twitter.com/720euSBSJS

– NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2025

With things getting a little better, how can you help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires?

Many relief organizations are providing relief in the area.

Charity Navigator has compiled a list of organizations providing immediate and long-term assistance to those affected by bushfires.

Separately, GoFundMe.org also launched its 2025 plan forest fire relief fund, Which “will go directly to affected people seeking help through GoFundMe fundraisers, and to non-profits on the ground providing relief.”

Some other organizations include:

the American Red Cross It provides shelter, food, relief supplies and medical care.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Announce Initiatives and places to collect essential items for families affected by the fires.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank He accepts Financial donations and basic materials to help those affected.

Authorities are warning the public to beware of scammers and stay alert. Federal Trade Commission Guidance was offered On identifying fake charities and fundraisers, including advice on asking detailed questions and avoiding pressure to donate immediately.