The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires killed at least 31 people, destroyed over 18,000 structures, and rank among the most destructive fires in California history.
Key Facts
- Confirmed deaths
- At least 31
- Study-linked deaths
- Up to 440
- Structures destroyed
- More than 18,000
- Area burned
- 57,529 acres
- People evacuated
- More than 200,000
- Peak wind speed
- Up to 100 mph
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Severe drought conditions, low humidity, dense vegetation growth from the prior winter, and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching up to 100 mph created extreme fire weather across the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County in early January 2025.
From January 7 to 31, 2025, 14 wildfires burned across the Los Angeles area and San Diego County. The two largest — the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades — together consumed tens of thousands of acres and were fought by municipal departments, CAL FIRE, and tactical aircraft before being fully contained on January 31.
The fires killed at least 31 people directly and were linked to up to 440 deaths in a later public health study. They destroyed more than 18,000 homes and structures and likely rank as the second and third most destructive fires in California history. In October 2025, a suspect was arrested and charged with intentionally igniting the Palisades Fire.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 31 (fire)
Range: 31 – 440