narrator

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

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

A Cal Fire spokesman said the ongoing battle is fraught with “extreme danger and the potential for fire spread.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged caution, saying: “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

The calm weather brought relief to Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest metropolitan area, which had been on edge as fires threatened surrounding communities.

Here’s what we know:

What’s the latest situation on the ground?

Death toll and missing persons

• The fires have killed at least 25 people, including 9 in the Palisades Fire and 16 in the Eaton Fire.

Active fire:

• Fence fire: The largest of three major wildfires has burned 9,596 hectares (23,713 acres) in and around Pacific Palisades and is now 21% contained. Firefighters are working to prevent the blaze from spreading to Brentwood, home of the Getty Center museum.
• Eaton Fire: The wildfire east of Los Angeles is the deadliest wildfire, killing 16 people. The fire covers more than 5,712 hectares (14,117 acres) and is currently 45% contained.

• Hurst Fire: The fire has burned 323 hectares (799 acres) near San Fernando in the north. Firefighters are close to completely controlling the fire, with a control rate of 98%.
• Automatic fire: A brush fire in Ventura County’s river bottom quickly spread to 24 hectares (61 acres). Firefighters halted rescue efforts and the fire was 85% contained as of Tuesday evening, according to Cal Fire.
• Small mountain fire: The San Bernardino County Fire Department in eastern Los Angeles County reported responding to a brush fire Wednesday afternoon, local media reported. The fire quickly burned through 12 hectares (30 acres) of the mountainous area and posed a potential threat to buildings. The fire has not yet been contained.

Santa Ana style

• Santa Ana winds in Southern California are expected to weaken, bringing temporary relief to the region.
• A shift in wind direction will bring in more moist air by Friday, which combined with light winds should reduce fire risk through the weekend.
• However, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned that another round of Santa Ana winds could develop as early as next Tuesday or Wednesday. Their strength remains uncertain.

Good news: We expect fire weather concerns to end this week. Bad news: One to watch next week. While we are confident there will not be a repeat of last week’s conditions, dangerous fire weather is expected. #cawx #PalisadesFire #eatonfire pic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp

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

Damage and Evacuation:

• The fires have displaced up to 200,000 people.
• As of Wednesday, County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that about 82,400 people were under evacuation orders and another 90,400 were 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 windy day,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Winds are expected to weaken significantly this afternoon.”

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

On Thursday, offshore winds will die down, causing temperatures to drop. By Friday, winds will blow landward, further cooling Southern California.

Firefighters and police officers continue to face new challenges, according to the Associated Press. Since the fires began last week, authorities have arrested about a half-dozen people accused of starting small blazes, all of which were quickly extinguished.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonald said one suspect admitted to setting fires in trees because he “liked the smell of burning leaves.” The chief reported Wednesday that the other man admitted “she enjoyed causing chaos and destruction.”

Carry a jacket with you. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees below normal for the rest of the week, with Friday being the coldest. #cawx pic.twitter.com/720euSBSJS

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

As conditions improve slightly, how are you helping Los Angeles wildfire victims?

Many aid 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 wildfires.

Additionally, GoFundMe.org has launched a 2025 Wildfire Relief Fund, The project will “directly target affected people seeking help through a GoFundMe fundraiser, as well as local nonprofits providing relief.”

Some other organizations include:

this American Red Cross Provide shelter, food, relief supplies and medical services.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Announce An initiative and place to collect essential items for families affected by the fires.

Los Angeles Area Food Bank Accepting Provide financial donations and necessities to those affected.

Authorities remind the public to be aware of scams and remain vigilant. Federal Trade Commission Guidance provided Advice on identifying fake charities and fundraisers, including advice on asking detailed questions and avoiding the pressure to donate on the spot.