Are California wildfires over? Containment status after weeks of fires

Nearly all of the active wildfires in California have been contained, according to the most recent update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Why It Matters

Multiple wildfires ignited in Southern California this month amid unnaturally dry conditions, including the two largest blazes in Los Angeles County, the Palisades and Eaton fires. Although firefighters have almost completely contained the flames, the fires have consumed thousands of acres. At least 29 people have died from the blazes, and thousands have been forced to flee their homes.

What To Know

As of Friday morning, many of the fires have been fully contained and are no longer listed as active incidents on Cal Fire’s website.

Firefighters continue to work on the Palisades and Eaton fires, the first blazes to ignite in Los Angeles County earlier this month, on January 7.

The Palisades fire exploded to more than 23,000 acres. It is now 98 percent contained. This blaze killed at least 12 people, both civilians and firefighters. More than 1,000 structures were damaged, and 6,837 structures were destroyed, including residential and commercial buildings. So far, there are four confirmed injuries.

The Eaton fire, which burned more than 14,000 acres, is 99 percent contained. This blaze killed at least 17 people, both citizens and fire personnel, Cal Fire said. There were nine confirmed injuries. More than 1,070 structures were damaged, and 9,418 structures were destroyed, including residential and commercial buildings.

The number of fatalities and damaged or destroyed structures may change, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire has transitioned command of the Palisades Fire back to the Los Angeles Fire Department, and command of the Eaton fire has been transitioned to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The causes of both fires are still under investigation.

What People Are Saying

David Acuña, the battalion chief of communications for Cal Fire, told Newsweek that Cal Fire is “very concerned” about the state of dry fuels in the state. “While we’re hopeful this rain gives us some relief, there’s definitely a concern that if we get a week of rain and it’s dry from now until May, that’s going to be a significant problem.”

Acuña added: “In California, now we have disbanded the use of the term ‘fire season.’ We are now referring to it as a ‘fire year.’ This is the moment, while we do have a little bit of rain, to prepare.”

Acuña urged people to visit ReadyForWildfire.org to create an evacuation plan, learn how to prepare a go bag and find out about other measures to prepare should a wildfire ignite near them.

What Happens Next

No more red flag warnings are expected across Southern California over the next week, National Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton previously told Newsweek.

A rainstorm is expected to bring some precipitation across the region by the middle of next week.