Timeline

2025 Los Angeles County, California Wildfires

Firefighters battle fire burning in California

2025 Los Angeles County, California Wildfires

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:

HSDL Featured Topics: Wildfires | Disaster Economics | Mass Evacuation

HSDL Search: Wildfires | California Fires | Disaster Response

 

 

 

Scroll to Top