Navigating the Flames: Is It Safe to Visit LA Amidst the Wildfire Crisis?

Wildfires in Los Angeles County persisted to rage on Monday, January 13, 2025, as firefighters endeavored to control sections of the lethal Eaton and Palisades fires, which are at 14% and 33% containment respectively as of Monday morning. A total of 24 individuals were reported deceased on Sunday evening.

The fires have triggered evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands, as entire communities are obliterated by the inferno. In a bid to deter looting, the LA County Sheriff’s Department is enforcing a curfew in evacuation zones from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Fierce Santa Ana winds have exacerbated the fires, collectively burning 40,588 acres by Monday. Although the weekend saw a decrease in wind speeds, which have hit 100 mph at times, they are anticipated to intensify again on Tuesday at 4 a.m. and continue through Wednesday at noon, with the National Weather Service cautioning of an increased fire risk. On Friday, the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection forecasts that offshore winds will diminish, bringing cooler temperatures and elevated humidity levels.

“The fires remain active, and the well-being of residents, visitors, and first responders in the impacted regions is our utmost priority,” the Los Angeles Tourism Board stated in a message shared with Condé Nast Traveler. “We urge everyone to stay updated through the Los Angeles Fire Department for the latest evacuation news and to adhere to all alerts and evacuation instructions from first responders.”

If you have a journey planned to Los Angeles, here’s what to be aware of regarding the LA fires—including the neighborhoods impacted, the effect on flights—plus what to do if you’re already present and need to modify your plans. (If you have been displaced from your residence due to the fires, here’s how to obtain free or discounted Airbnb and hotel accommodations.)

This is a developing news report and will be updated with additional details as they become available.

Where are the LA fires?

The National Weather Service has issued a “Particularly Hazardous Situation Red Flag Warning” for Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties from Monday evening through Wednesday morning. “These areas will face a high threat for significant fires with the potential for extremely rapid spreading of any fires that may occur,” weather officials caution.

As of Monday, January 13, there are three ongoing fires in Los Angeles County: the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire, and the Hurst fire.

The Pacific Palisades

The most extensive, the Palisades fire, first ignited around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7. It currently encompasses 23,713 acres in the Pacific Palisades area (located west of Los Angeles between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean) and was 14% contained as of 9:30 a.m. on Monday, a significant improvement from 0% last week. Up to this point, this fire has destroyed several residential areas, including waterfront homes and businesses along Malibu’s renowned Pacific Coast Highway.

Pasadena/Altadena

The Eaton fire, which is currently the second largest fire at 14,117 acres, erupted later Tuesday evening around 6:18 p.m. in Eaton Canyon, an area to the north of Pasadena near Altadena. It was at 33% containment as of Monday, a considerable improvement from 3% containment the prior week. The fire is close to several iconic LA museums and landmarks; flames posed a threat to the historic observatory atop Mount Wilson (also a favored hiking site) on Thursday, though officials have since confirmed that firefighters succeeded in safeguarding the structure and its famed Hooker telescope.

Other areas

The Kenneth brush fire, Lidia fire, Sunset fire, and Archer fire were all 100% contained as of Monday, January 13. The Hurst fire in San Fernando Valley expanded to 771 acres and was 95% contained as of Monday morning.