Last-Minute Fire Fight: Understanding LA's January Wildfires

Imagine California's wildfire season happening in January. That's what's going on right now in Los Angeles County and nearby areas. The biggest blaze is in Pacific Palisades, destroying houses and racing across the landscape. These fires are being tracked by scientists using maps and charts, but high winds have grounded most planes, delaying updates.

As of Wednesday morning, over 157, 000 people in LA County were under mandatory evacuation orders due to three major fires: Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst. That's double the number from earlier that morning. The Palisades Fire alone has burned over 17, 000 acres by Thursday morning. Air quality is a significant concern as the fires keep burning. These fires are unusual for January, as California usually sees the most significant wildfire damage during the summer months. The Palisades and Eaton fires are already among the 10 largest to hit LA County in the last decade.

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