January 16th, 2025
Three deadly wildfires ignited across the Los Angeles Area Tuesday, January 7, 2025; the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires. At least nine additional wildfires started in Southern California since the 7th. As of January 15th, the three wildfires have collectively resulted in 25 confirmed fatalities, with numerous individuals missing and over 180,000 people evacuated. These fires have destroyed more than 10,000 structures and scorched tens of thousands of acres across Los Angeles County. The rapid spread of these fires was driven by above-average temperatures, below-normal precipitation, dry vegetation, and powerful Santa Ana winds.
The Palisades, Eaton & Hurts Fires
The Palisades fire started along the Los Angeles County coast in Pacific Palisades early Tuesday morning. The blaze rapidly expanded, consuming over 23,000 acres, making it the third-most destructive wildfire on record in California and the largest LA County wildfire. Currently containment is at 21%.
The Eaton fire started Tuesday night in the Altadena area. The wildfire has burned over 14,000 acres and is currently at 45% containment.
The Hurst fire started in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles burning nearly 800 acres. Currently containment is at 98%.
As the wildfires swept through neighborhoods, some homes were spared due to thoughtful construction and fire prevention efforts done by prepared residents. One homeowner in Palisades installed oscillating lawn sprinklers on their rooftop and around the property perimeter. Thanks to the homeowner’s efforts, his home and about 14 of his neighbors’ homes were saved.
Passive Home Design
A house that used a passive home design avoided total construction and is the only home on Lliff Street that survived. This house met criteria set by the International Passive House Association; it is airtight, has triple-pane tempered glass windows, and construction features that ensure minimal heat is transferred through the building exterior. The house does not have eaves, overhangs, or attic vents. The landscaping includes a fire break around the house and concrete garden walls.
Risk Logic
RLI engineers can conduct an inspection to assess your wildfire exposure.┬á We can provide a detailed report and property loss prevention recommendations to better prevent/prepare and protect your home/facility in a wildfire. Contact RLI to see how to reduce your property’s wildfire exposure.
