Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Those Affected by LA County Wildfires
California Commemorates Wildfire Victims on Jan. 7
In a solemn observance, California officials have declared January 7 as a Day of Remembrance for the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County one year ago. Flags at government buildings across the state were lowered to half-staff on Wednesday to honor the lives lost and the communities affected by these tragic events.
This date marks twelve months since the outbreak of the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire in Altadena. The Palisades Fire ignited early that day, with the Eaton Fire following shortly after in a dark canyon overlooking the San Gabriel Valley.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation acknowledged the loss experienced by many families. "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," he stated. “We recognize the resilience of survivors who continue to rebuild, often carrying grief alongside hope.”
"The commitment is clear: California will not turn away. We will stand with these communities until recovery is complete, homes are rebuilt, and lives are restored as fully as possible,” Newsom emphasized.
Both fires were fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, which helped rapidly spread the flames into neighboring areas, ultimately destroying numerous homes and businesses. The Palisades Fire burned approximately 23,700 acres, resulting in twelve fatalities and the destruction of more than 6,800 structures, making it the ninth-deadliest and third-most destructive wildfire in California’s history.
Similarly, the Eaton Fire expanded to 14,000 acres, claiming nineteen lives and obliterating 9,400 buildings. It is now recorded as the fifth-deadliest and second-most destructive fire in the state’s history.
