> At a Glance
> – California marked Jan. 7 as a day of remembrance for the Palisades and Eaton fires that began one year ago
> – Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags lowered at all government buildings
> – Combined fires killed 31 people and destroyed 16,200 structures
> – Why it matters: The anniversary highlights ongoing recovery efforts and California’s commitment to helping communities rebuild
One year after two catastrophic wildfires erupted in Los Angeles County, California paused to honor the victims and recognize the heroes who responded to the crisis. The commemoration comes as communities continue rebuilding from the most destructive fires in state history.
The Fires That Changed Everything
The Palisades Fire ignited on the morning of Jan. 7, 2025 in Pacific Palisades, nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the coast. Hours later, the Eaton Fire broke out in a canyon above the San Gabriel Valley near Altadena.
Both blazes exploded during a ferocious Santa Ana windstorm that drove flames into neighborhoods with devastating speed.
The Devastation by Numbers
Palisades Fire impact:
- 23,700 acres burned
- 12 deaths reported
- 6,800 structures destroyed
- Ranks as California’s ninth-deadliest and third-most destructive wildfire
Eaton Fire impact:
- 14,000 acres burned
- 19 deaths reported
- 9,400 structures destroyed
- Ranks as California’s fifth-deadliest and second-most destructive wildfire
A State Remembers
In his remembrance proclamation, Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized both loss and resilience:
> “As we mourn the victims of the Los Angeles fires, we also honor the first responders, community leaders and public servants who ran toward danger and went above and beyond to protect Angelenos. We recognize the resilience of survivors who continue to rebuild, often carrying grief alongside hope.”
The governor concluded with a firm commitment to recovery:
> “We affirm a solemn commitment: California will not turn away. We will stand with these communities until recovery is complete, homes are rebuilt and lives are restored as fully possible.”
Key Takeaways
- The anniversary commemoration recognizes both the human toll and heroic response to the disaster
- Combined, both fires destroyed 16,200 structures and claimed 31 lives
- Recovery efforts continue across affected communities in Los Angeles County
- The state has pledged ongoing support until rebuilding is complete
The lowered flags serve as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the long path ahead for thousands of survivors rebuilding their homes and communities.
