Essential Insights on the LA Fires: Travel Tips and Latest Developments

As of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, three significant wildfires in Los Angeles County are raging uncontrollably. The fires have necessitated evacuation instructions for around 80,000 inhabitants and have destroyed no fewer than 1,000 properties and homes.

Intense Santa Ana winds have exacerbated the situation, collectively scorching more than 5,000 acres as of Wednesday morning, according to the LA County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest Service. Authorities have reported two fatalities, as stated in a declaration.

“We are in no way out of risk at this moment, given the robust winds that continue to sweep through the city and the county today,” stated Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristen Crowley during a press briefing Wednesday morning. Extreme gusts reaching up to 60 mph are predicted to persist through Thursday, the fire department reported on X.

If you have made plans to visit Los Angeles this week, here is essential information regarding the LA fires—including the neighborhoods impacted and how flight operations are being affected.

This is an evolving news report and will be updated with additional information as it becomes accessible.

Where are the LA fires located?

Currently, there are three principal fires in LA. The Palisades fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7. It now encompasses 2,921 acres in the Pacific Palisades area (situated west of Los Angeles between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean). Santa Monica has issued evacuation orders for residents situated between the northern city boundary and San Vicente Blvd.

The second-largest blaze, the Eaton fire, erupted later on Tuesday evening at around 6:18 p.m in Eaton Canyon, a vicinity north of Pasadena adjacent to Altadena. It has rapidly expanded to cover 2,227 acres. Later on Tuesday, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Hurst fire ignited in San Fernando Valley. The smallest of the trio, it presently covers 500 acres. All three fires were reported to have 0% containment at the time of publication, indicating they are still advancing.

“The fires remain active, and the safety of residents, visitors, and first responders in the impacted areas is our utmost priority,” remarked the Los Angeles Tourism Board in a statement shared with Condé Nast Traveler. “We encourage everyone to stay updated through the Los Angeles Fire Department for the latest evacuation alerts and to heed all instructions and evacuation notices from first responders.”

Firefighters combat flames as beachfront residences catch fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu during the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News/Getty

How are flights being impacted?

At least 60 flights arriving at or departing from Burbank Airport (BUR) were canceled or delayed on Wednesday, January 8, as reported by the flight tracking service Flight Aware. “Weather conditions are affecting numerous flight operations today,” the airport posted Wednesday morning on X. “Verify with your airline regarding the status of your flight before heading to BUR.” As of the time of publication, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains operational with minimal cancellations and few delays.