Los Angeles wildfires: Four fires still active in California; check out the latest status of firefighting ops

The Los Angeles wildfires have left a trail of devastation with countless individuals and families forced to flee their homes as the raging inferno consumed everything in its path. As the firefighters struggle to quell the fire, the strong Santa Ana winds are expected to worsen the situation further during the night.

According to fire officials, all four fires in Los Angeles, California, are still active. Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires had consumed about 62 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco. As per Cal Fire, the flames claimed over 12,000 structures and displaced tens of thousands. Even several people are reported missing as well.  

Meanwhile, the cause of all four fires is under investigation. 

Palisades Fire

The Palisades fire, which started on January 7 from Southeast of Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County, California, is the worst among others. It has burned about 23,654 acres. 

More than 14,000 personnel, including from Canada and Mexico are helping to fight the Palisades Fire. Texas and Montana states are also assisting in dozing it off. Five deaths were reported in the area. 

Despite days of firefighting, only 11 per cent of the Palisades fire was contained. The fire is raging towards a major highway, Interstate 405, into a more heavily populated area as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. 

Eaton Fire

Eaton fire, which erupted on January 7 in the Altadena area, north of Pasadena, has engulfed more than 14,000 acres. The fire started in Eaton Canyon and quickly spread out of control killing 11 people. 

Over 14,117 acres have burned. According to fire officials, 15 per cent of the fire was contained. Around 3,000 firefighters, including from across the state and country were engaged in the fight. More than 7,000 structures were estimated to be damaged or destroyed. 

Kenneth Fire

The fire that erupted on January 9 in the West Hills area had consumed over 1,052 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The fire was reported in an area north of the Ventura Freeway near Valley Circle Boulevard.

Around 90 per cent of the fire was contained and so far no casualties have been reported.  

Hurst Fire

The fire, which started on January 7 near Diamond Road, Sylmar, spread to more than 700 acres, forcing evacuations in the area. The fire was contained 76 per cent.

A report on the cause of the fire said that Southern California Edison determined that one of their circuits in the Eagle Rock-Sylmar area "experienced a relay" approximately one minute after the Hurst Fire was initially reported. 

However, the department is still investigating the incident's relation to the fire.