Over a week after destructive wildfires erupted in the Los Angeles area, fire crews have made progress with containment and stopped the growth of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

After several “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warnings expired, firefighters were able to work in favorable weather conditions. Cooler temperatures are expected over the weekend, increasing humidity levels. 

On Jan 7., a “life-threatening” windstorm caused by powerful Santa Ana winds fueled the Palisades Fire in the community of Pacific Palisades and a few hours later helped exacerbate the Eaton Fire in the northeast portion of the county near Pasadena.

Search and rescue crews have found human remains in debris and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed 27 deaths in connection to the fires.

The Eaton and Palisades fires quickly became two of the most destructive and deadliest wildfires in California’s history. Residents were forced to flee their homes as flames inched closer. As of Saturday morning, 10,694 structures were confirmed to have been destroyed, according to Cal Fire.

As fire officials continue to assess the damaged areas, some residents in both fire zones have been able to return to their neighborhoods.

“Please be assured that our firefighters continue to work 24/7 to achieve full containment of these wildfires as fast as we can. We continue to plan for the repopulation of evacuated areas, when safe,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.  

Eaton Fire

The 14,117-acre Eaton Fire has reached 73% containment as of Saturday morning. Ground crews and air operations are continuing to extinguish hot spots around the burn footprint.

“Containment continues to grow, with a total of 60 miles of control lines established around the fire’s perimeter, including 8 miles of hand lines,” Cal Fire said.

Urban Search and Rescue teams have completed 8,856 inspections which has led to repopulation in certain areas. On Saturday morning, Cal Fire reported that nearly 10,000 structures were damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Several areas affected by the fire remain under evacuation orders and warnings. Officials have said they will allow residents back to their homes once the areas have been properly assessed and deemed safe.

The LA County Medical Examiner has confirmed 17 deaths tied to the Eaton Fire. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating 24 missing persons cases, related to the fire.

To see a full update of firefighting efforts and updates to evacuation orders for the Eaton Fire visit the Cal Fire website.

Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire which has burned 23,713 has grown to 43% containment. The calm wind activity has allowed for minimal fire behavior as firefighters continue to put out hot spots.

On Friday afternoon, Cal Fire announced several evacuation orders had been downgraded and warnings lifted. Even though repopulation has begun in some areas, fire officials warn residents that some of their homes may still be impacted by power outages.

Aerial assessment of the affected area showed that about 5,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, according to Cal Fire. On Saturday morning, the agency reported that 12,250 structures were threatened by the fire.

 At least 10 people have died in relation to the Palisades Fire, according to the LA County Medical Examiner. The number of fatalities is expected to rise as search and rescue crews are still working to inspect several areas. The LA County Sheriff’s Department is investigating seven active missing persons reports for the Palisades Fire. 

To see a full update of firefighting efforts and updates to evacuation orders for the Palisades Fire visit the Cal Fire website. 

Evacuation orders and curfew 

Saturday morning, mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for residents in the Eaton and Palisades free areas. 

Throughout the week officials announced several orders were downgraded to warnings and warnings were lifted allowing residents back into their neighborhoods. 

Even though some residents have been allowed back to their homes, many areas are still experiencing power outages and no water. 

A 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew continues to be enforced nightly in the mandatory evacuation areas in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones.

Have a tip about the Southern California wildfires? Send it to CBS News Los Angeles and KCAL News.

A group of California firefighters stopped an alleged looter from robbing a burned-down house and jetting off with an Emmy Award that had miraculously survived the fiery carnage of the Eaton Fire.

Smoke eaters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department were working in a burned-down Altadena neighborhood on Thursday when they came across two suspicious people who were leaving one of the properties.

One of the firefighters confronted a woman – wearing a dark sweatshirt and skirt over sweatpants – carrying possessions from the home including the prestigious award.

“There’s no way what?” the suspected looter asked the firefighter as he walked away from a white pickup truck with the award, according to LAFD Watchdog video obtained by Fox LA reporter Matthew Seedorff.

“No way, you are not doing this,” the first responder argued.

“This was our house. We tried to save all these people. You are not stealing from them.”

The woman claimed she wasn’t stealing and was protecting her neighborhood.

The firefighter walked away but turned around when the woman and her friend attempted to get into the truck.

“You’re not going anywhere,” the firefighter ordered.

The Emmy was awarded in the news and documentaries category in 2002, Fox LA reported.

Along with the Emmy, the woman allegedly stole another award, the Sharp Award from 2016. Both awards had the name of the rightful owner on it, who was not publically named.

The firefighter called for an engine to be parked in front of the suspect’s white pickup until police arrived.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office arrested the looters.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman revealed nine more individuals charged with crimes related to the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

The charges included felony arson, felony possession of ammunition by a felon, felony looting during mandatory evacuations, and misdemeanor impersonation of a firefighter.

Nine people were originally charged with crimes before Hochman’s update Friday.

Over 40 out-of-town vultures were arrested by the Santa Monica police for allegedly preying on the thousands of homes left abandoned there and in the neighboring Pacific Palisades.

The suspected criminals took advantage of residents fleeing the devastating fires and allegedly burglarized the homes.

“To anyone who believes they can use this disaster as a cover for criminal activity, let this be your warning: You will be caught, and you will be held accountable,” Hochman said. “The citizens of this county deserve safety and justice, especially in the wake of such unprecedented devastation, and I will not rest until we achieve both.”

The deadly fires killed 27 people and destroyed more than 11,000 structures after the raging infernos burned through over 40,000 acres since Jan. 7, 2025.

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