California’s Palisades and Eaton Fires Fully Contained After Three Weeks

After more than three weeks of destruction, the Palisades and Eaton wildfires are now fully contained. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection made the official announcement on Friday evening, confirming that firefighters had successfully created perimeters to stop the fires from spreading further.

The Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood on January 7, quickly spreading across 23,448 acres. It claimed the lives of 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, tore through the Altadena area, burning over 14,000 acres and killing 17 people.

“Authorities reported that combined, both fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, causing property damage estimated to exceed $28 billion.”

Although the flames have been contained, both areas remain in crisis as recovery efforts begin.

Firefighters faced extreme challenges battling the blazes due to dry conditions and strong winds. However, recent rainfall provided much-needed relief. The rain helped suppress lingering flames, but it also triggered flooding and mudslides, leading to road closures, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that the Pacific Coast Highway, which was shut down due to storm damage, will reopen on Sunday.

“Firefighters have done an incredible job under tough conditions, and their work has saved countless lives and homes,” a state official said.

While the fires are no longer spreading, officials urge residents to remain cautious. Recovery efforts are underway, and authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage. Firefighters and emergency teams continue to monitor the affected areas to prevent any possible flare-ups.

Residents affected by the fires are now focusing on rebuilding their homes and lives. Many who lost their properties face a long road to recovery, as insurance claims and federal assistance efforts are still in progress.

Despite the devastation, the full containment of the Palisades and Eaton fires marks a significant milestone in California’s ongoing battle against wildfires.