On January 8, 2025, President Biden declared a major disaster for the wildfires impacting Southern California, authorizing federal agencies to provide aid, funding, and resources for recovery efforts (CA.gov). As of Tuesday, January 14, 2025, approximately 88,000 Los Angeles County residents were under mandatory evacuation orders, while 84,000 others faced evacuation warnings. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is currently providing Serious Needs Assistance for emergency supplies such as food, water, medication, fuel, as well as temporary housing, transportation, medical expenses and funeral costs (CNN). The wildfires, fueled by high winds, have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people, including both residents and first responders. Approximately two dozen individuals are still reported missing and the death toll is likely to rise. Firefighting resources have been strengthened to contain flareups as the area prepares for ongoing threats (AP News).
Start Date: January 7, 2025
Impact:
- At least 24 fatalities and nearly two dozen missing (AP News)
- More than 12,000 homes and structures destroyed (ABC)
- Potentially $20 billion in estimated damages (Reuters)
- Over 20 million people under an elevated fire risk (AP News)
Related Resources:
- Federal Assistance for Wildfire Response and Recovery [Updated July 29, 2024]
- Federal Interagency Wildfire Response Framework [Updated July 29, 2024]
- Sorting Over Wildfire Hazard
- Fighting Fires and Saving Lives Through Science and Technology
- 2025 Southern California Wildfire Response: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9
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