Pacific Palisades Fire: How Santa Ana winds made Los Angeles wildfires so dangerous |

Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire as it burns multiple structures in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

The Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025 have gripped Southern California, forcing widespread evacuations and destroying homes in neighborhoods from Pacific Palisades to Eaton Canyon. These fires, driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, have served as a stark reminder of the volatility of fire-prone areas and the challenges faced by emergency responders and residents alike. While the exact causes of these fires remain under investigation, the conditions that fueled their rapid spread are well understood.

The Role of Santa Ana Winds

Santa Ana winds are a hallmark of Southern California’s fire season. These strong, dry winds originate in the Great Basin, a desert region spanning Nevada and Utah. During winter, high-pressure systems form over the Great Basin, pushing air through mountain passes toward the lower-pressure coastal regions. As the air descends toward the coast, it compresses and warms, creating the hot, dry conditions ideal for fueling wildfires.
In this instance, the winds reached gusts of up to 99 miles per hour in the San Gabriel Mountains, according to the National Weather Service. These extreme gusts not only spread embers far beyond the initial fire perimeter but also made it nearly impossible for firefighting aircraft to operate safely. The winds grounded helicopters and water-dropping planes, critical tools for containing such fast-moving blazes.

Fires in Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon

The Pacific Palisades fire began on Tuesday, January 7, and quickly escalated, consuming nearly 3,000 acres by nightfall. Located in an affluent coastal neighborhood, the fire destroyed numerous homes and forced at least 30,000 residents to evacuate. Traffic jams on narrow hillside roads and gridlock along major escape routes like Sunset Boulevard further complicated the evacuation process. Emergency crews resorted to bulldozing abandoned vehicles to clear pathways for fire trucks and fleeing residents.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Canyon fire near Pasadena ignited on the same day and grew to over 1,000 acres within hours. This blaze, fueled by flying embers and intense winds, created its own firestorm, igniting spot fires miles away. Homes and structures, including the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, were engulfed in flames. Over 100 nursing home residents had to be evacuated, many in wheelchairs and on gurneys, as the firestorm raged.
The fires’ rapid spread caught even seasoned fire officials off guard. “These embers are blowing everywhere, and I’m just watching it chew up the hillside,” said Sheila Kelliher, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. “As it gets to each new patch of fuel, it’s just exploding.”

Factors Contributing to the Fires’ Severity

While the Santa Ana winds played a dominant role, other factors contributed to the fires’ severity:

Human Impact and Response

The human toll of these fires has been profound. In Malibu, the loss of long-standing institutions like the Malibu Feed Bin has devastated the community. Burn victims were reported seeking help at local shelters, and families fled with only their most essential belongings. One firefighter sustained a serious head injury while battling the Palisades fire, underscoring the risks faced by first responders.
Evacuation orders were issued for tens of thousands of residents, but compliance varied. In Pacific Palisades, the chaotic evacuation underscored the difficulty of escaping from densely populated neighborhoods with limited access roads. In contrast, residents near Eaton Canyon seemed more responsive to evacuation warnings, perhaps sobered by the unfolding disaster elsewhere.
Despite these challenges, the response from local, state, and federal agencies has been swift. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and mobilized resources to assist affected communities. Firefighters from multiple agencies worked tirelessly, deploying strike teams to contain the blazes and protect critical infrastructure. Relief centers were established to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to evacuees.

Climate Change and the Future of Wildfires

California’s wildfire season has grown longer and more severe, a trend experts attribute to climate change. Rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and prolonged droughts have created the perfect storm for more frequent and intense wildfires. While scientists are still debating the precise impact of climate change on Santa Ana winds, there is consensus that warmer temperatures contribute to larger fires.
In addition to the environmental factors, the increasing intersection of urban development and natural landscapes raises questions about land-use planning and fire mitigation strategies. Policies encouraging defensible space, improved building materials, and stricter zoning regulations could help reduce the impact of future fires.