Los Angeles wildfires one year on show lasting damage

A year after twin fires ignited on Jan. 6, 2024, the Palisades and Eaton blazes killed 31 people and burned about 155 square kilometers, and rebuilding across affected areas has been slow.

Twin wildfires ignited across opposite ends of Los Angeles County on Jan. 6, 2024, and spread rapidly amid strong winds and dry conditions. Officials issued warnings and evacuation orders as the blazes grew. The fires, described in coverage as the Palisades and Eaton incidents, produced widespread destruction across multiple communities. One year later, many homes remain unrebuilt and recovery is ongoing. Key facts: - Both fires began on Jan. 6, 2024, and spread quickly under high winds and very dry vegetation. - The two blazes together burned about 155 square kilometers. - Thirty-one people died: 19 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades Fire. - Federal disaster aid requested by Gov. Gavin Newsom was reported as awaiting approval, a 29-year-old man charged in connection with the Palisades Fire has pleaded not guilty, and the cause of the Eaton Fire remained under investigation. Summary: The fires resulted in extensive loss of homes and long-term disruption to affected communities, with rebuilding moving slowly and only a small number of homes completed so far. Federal aid approval and ongoing investigations and legal proceedings are among the next procedural steps being reported.