Firefighters work through snow and frigid temperatures to strengthen fire containment. 

Daily Update: January 10, 2025

Acres: 8,337 Containment: 55% 

Start Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 460 Fuels: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 4 crews | 28 engines | 3 helicopters | 1 bulldozer | 4 water tenders

Highlights: Firefighters faced snow and frigid temperatures yesterday while working on strengthening containment of the fire perimeter. As areas are contained, excess equipment is being backhauled, and crews are monitoring and patrolling the area. Crews continue to address any remaining pockets of heat within the fire perimeter to keep the fire in the current footprint.

A public meeting is scheduled for today at 6 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page.

Operations: In areas along containment lines such as Horton Creek Trail, SR-260, and the FR-284 road near Christopher Creek, crews are shifting attention to mop up and suppression repair. As the incident begins to scale down, crews will backhaul excess equipment and shift resources to other areas. Firefighters continue to work on areas where heavy fuels continue to hold heat and are monitoring for any escalation in fire behavior. With ongoing patrols throughout the area, firefighters remain prepared to address any emergent hotspots.

Weather: Calmer and drier weather is expected. Cold temperatures will persist with gusts throughout the day.

Smoke: Smoke continues to be visible in the area. Heavier concentrations can be seen in the morning and evening. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.

TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 5/1983) is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_1983.html

Evacuations, Road Closures and Forest Orders: As of January 8, 2025, Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins have returned to READY evacuation status. Communities along the SR-206 corridor such as Christopher Creek, Hunter Creek, R-C Scout Camp, and Kohls Ranch, remain in SET. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GCPHCS/ for more information on evacuation notifications.
 

A Forest closure order is in effect to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Smoke continues to be seen along the SR-260 corridor, and lane closures may occur if needed, in the interest of safety. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com 

Start Date: Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, at 8:20 P.M. 

Location: Near the I-210 Foothill Freeway and Yarnell St. in Sylmar, CA

Unified Command: 

Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff, CAL FIRE

Fire Size:  771 acres 

Percent Contained: 37% 

Personnel: 451

Cause: Under investigation

CURRENT SITUTION:

Yesterday afternoon, residents returned home to the areas reduced from an Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning.  Some residences in the zones may not have power.   Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) recommends that residents DO NOT drink the water until LADWP conducts the necessary tests and notifies the residents that the water is safe to drink.  The Los Angeles Police Department is maintaining a strong presence in the impacted communities to assure the community is protected and ready to respond immediately if there is a change in conditions.

Fire perimeter acreage increased to 771 acres after firefighters “ground-truthed” the fire perimeter, walking the entire fire’s edge.  Crews continue to focus on construction and improvement of fire control lines on the fires edge, with containment rising to 37%. These efforts will continue until 100% containment is reached. Overnight the fire experienced significant Santa Ana winds, and firefighters did extinguish a small flare up within the fire perimeter, and the gusty  winds are expected to diminish today.

Southern California rainfall is 5-15% of seasonal norms, and the vegetation is extremely dry and continues to be very receptive to fire. With the fire activity, and additional forecasted Santa Ana winds, the Angeles National Forest is closed to all uses through Wednesday January 15, 2025 due to critical fire danger.  

Evacuation Information: https://protect.genasys.com/zones/US-CA-XLA-PAS-E019?z=14.003579616721366&latlon=34.16776191835291%2C-118.08215038964448

Fire Information: InciWeb Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hurst-fire

Angeles National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Los Angeles County Fire Department: https://fire.lacounty.gov/

Los Angeles Fire Department: https://lafd.org/

Location:  Eaton Canyon, Pasadena California

Acres Burned: 13,690    
Containment: 3%    
Fire Started: January 7, 2025 at 6:18 p.m.
Cause: Undetermined
Civilian Fatalities: 5    
Structures Threatened: 39,428
Structures Destroyed:    972
Structures Damaged: 84
Firefighter Injuries: 5

Total Assigned Personnel: 1, 603   Engines: 203   Hand Crews: 17   Dozers: 17   Water Tenders: 39

Current Situation: Last night, firefighters responded to multiple service calls and worked to extinguish hotspots around structures. Aircraft were deployed for water-dropping missions along the northeast perimeter near Chantry Flats, where fire growth has been observed. Today the priority continues to be structure protection and fire line construction to increase containment on the East, North, and West flanks.

Damage Assessment: Aerial imagery overlays show approximately 7,081 structures may have been damaged or destroyed. The number of structures damaged and destroyed listed at the top of the page are verified by damage assessment teams and will be updated with validated information as it becomes available.

Location:  Eaton Canyon, Pasadena California

Acres Burned: 13,690    
Containment: 0%    
Fire Started: January 7, 2025 at 6:18 p.m.
Cause: Undetermined
Civilian Fatalities: 5    
Structures Threatened: 39,428
Structures Destroyed:    972
Structures Damaged: 84
Firefighter Injuries: 5

Total Assigned Personnel: 1,396   Engines: 183   Hand Crews: 12   Dozers: 16   Water Tenders: 36

Current Situation:On Tuesday January 7th, 2025, firefighters responded to a fire report near Eaton Canyon in Pasadena, California. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for the affected areas.

Today’s priority remained structure protection throughout the affected communities. The Mount Wilson communication site was threatened but firefighters were able to successfully conduct a strategic firing operation to stop the advancing fire. 

Damage Assessment: It has been publicly reported that approximately 4,000-5,000 structures have been destroyed. This is a preliminary estimate by nonpublic safety personnel. Numbers reported above indicate verified damage assessments completed by field personnel and will be updated with validated information as it becomes available.
 

Start Date: Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, at 8:20 P.M. 

Location: Near the I-210 Foothill Freeway and Yarnell St. in Sylmar, CA

Unified Command: 

Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff, CAL FIRE

Fire Size:  671 acres 

Percent Contained: 10% 

Personnel: 335

Cause: Under investigation

Effective at 3:00 P.M. today, the Hurst Fire Unified Command will be lifting the current Evacuation Warning including the following:

LOS Q0412

LOS Q0449-B

LAC E-131-B

LAC E-132-A

SCL Calgrove

SCL Newhall Pass

SCL Wildwood

SCL Enternal

(South of Interstate 210), and within the Newhall Pass along Interstate 5 and State Highway 14)

All Evacuation Orders are reduced to Evacuation Warnings, these areas include zones:

LAC E11913

LAC E132-B

LOS 001

(Legends at Cascades, Saddle Ridge, Oakridge Mobile Home Park and the businesses north of Interstate 210.)

The area Evacuation Warning includes the area west of Interstate 5, Newhall Co / Sylmar Co Weldon Canyon, Sunshine Canyon Landfill, Oak Tree Gun Club. North of Orcutt Lease Trail Rd, South of E Canyon Mtwy, I-5 N. East of E Canyon Mtwy, Sunshine Canyon Mtwy. West of Ridge Fire Rd.

Some residences in the zones may not have power.   Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) recommends that residents DO NOT drink the water until LADWP tests and confirms that the water is safe to drink.

Fire perimeter acreage dropped from 855 to 671, as a result of accurate aerial infrared mapping yesterday evening.  Firefighters overnight and today continue to construct fire lines and extinguish hot spots within the fire perimeter. A red flag warning remains in effect for the Hurst Fire area until 6:00 p.m. Thursday. 

The Angeles National Forest is closed to human entry through Wednesday January 15, 2025 due to critical fire danger.

Evacuation Map: For the most up-to-date evacuation information, visit Protect Genasys using the link: https://protect.genasys.com/zones/US-CA-XLA-PAS-E019?z=14.003579616721366&latlon=34.16776191835291%2C-118.08215038964448

Fire Information:

InciWeb Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-hurst-fire

Angeles National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Los Angeles County Fire Department: https://fire.lacounty.gov/

Los Angeles Fire Department: https://lafd.org/

When evacuation orders are lifted and residents prepare to return home, it’s crucial to have essential safety information. While first responders handle many risks, various post-fire hazards may occur when access your property. Specific dangers may arise after a fire, but first responders still manage many risks. hazards could result in ongoing health issues. We share this message as a helpful guide to keep you and your loved ones safe during this transition.

Body Protection / What to wear when you re-enter your property: 

• Jeans, boots, gloves, long sleeve shirt, dust mask (e.g., N95), and eye protection 
• NO SHORTS 
• NO OPEN-TOE SHOES OR FLIP FLOPS
• Caution when coming in contact with “cold” ash - it could potentially contain heated elements: 
• Work in pairs and avoid working alone 
• Avoid working in any ash-covered area for an extended period 
• Maintain strong “situational awareness” - be aware of what’s around you 
• Take precautions when working near or under trees that may be fire-weakened, limb may fall, and entire root systems can fail, causing trees to fall 

Traffic safety:

• Be aware of first responder apparatus, utilities, and media vehicle 
• Avoid bringing children and pets into traffic areas 
• Utilize maximum caution and restraint when operating a vehicle, as pedestrians may be distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings 

Caution when in and around damaged structures:

• Use appropriate shoes when walking in debris from damaged structures - there may be nails or other sharp objects 
• Use caution when walking on any property space, as there may be voids that you could trip over or fall into 
• Be aware of any standing structural components, including chimneys or other overhead hazards - they may be unstable and subject to collapse

Ash and other burned materials may contain chemicals hazardous to anyone - consider the following before departing your property post-fire:

• Wash your hands and boots before entering a vehicle or otherwise departing from the property 
• Avoid placing your hands on your face, mouth, eyes, ears, or neck before coming into contact with others, and even pets 
• Bring “wet” cleaning towelettes to wash yourself with Gently sweep debris followed by a wet mop; do not use a leaf blower to clean up 
• Do not use your garden hose to wash around a damaged home - it may send hazardous waste into sewers and storm drains

Safe Community Project: www.safecommunityproject.org

LEARN MORE AT: www.wildfirela.org 

Rose Bowl, Pasadena - The Eaton Fire Unified Command will hold a press conference on Thursday January 9, 2025 at 3:00PM. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, along with other fire & law officials will provide the latest information on the Eaton Fire.

The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LosAngelesCountyFD

Start Date: Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, at 1:08 p.m.  

Location: Soledad Canyon Road in Acton, California

Unified Command: 

Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County Fire

Fire Size: 348 acres 

Percent Contained: 60% 

Personnel: 65

Cause: Under investigation

CURRENT SITUATION: 

On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, at around 1:08 p.m. firefighters responded to a brush fire reported on Soledad Canyon Road in Acton, CA. Overnight firefighters fought aggressively implementing dozer and handline around the fire, keeping the fire perimeter to 348 acres and bringing containment up to 60%. Today, crews will continue focusing on improving control lines and securing edges along Soledad Canyon Road and within the Polsa Rosa Ranch area. 

A red flag warning remains in effect for the area until 6:00 p.m. Friday. The Los Angeles County Fire Department is in unified command with the Angeles National Forest. 

Forest Closure:  

The entire Angeles National Forest is temporarily closed through Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 12:00 midnight (end of day) for public safety and the protection of natural resources. 

• To read Forest Order No. 05-01-25-01, click here.   
• The temporary closure of the forest is tied to critical fire danger. Visit the Angeles National Forest fire restrictions webpage for more information. 

Evacuation Map: For the most up-to-date evacuation information, visit Protect Genasys using the link: https://protect.genasys.com/zones/US-CA-XLA-PAS-E019?z=14.003579616721366&latlon=34.16776191835291%2C-118.08215038964448

Road Closures:

• https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/
• https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Fire Information:

InciWeb Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caanf-lidia-fire

Angeles National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Los Angeles County Fire Department: https://fire.lacounty.gov/

Location: Eaton Canyon, Pasadena California

Fire Started: January 7, 2025 at 6:18 p.m.
Acres Burned: 10,600
Containment:0%        
Structures Threatened: 39,428
Structures Destroyed: 972
Structures Damaged: 84
Cause: Undetermined
Civilian Fatalities: 5    
Firefighter Injuries: 4
 
Total Assigned Personnel: 879   Engines: 123   Hand Crews: 7   Dozers: 16   Water Tenders: 5  

Current Situation: On Tuesday January 7th, 2025, at 6:18PM firefighters responded to a fire reported near Eaton Canyon in Pasadena, California. Today’s objectives are to perform fire suppression efforts aggressively while adhering to safe work practices to minimize threats to the public and emergency responders. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for the affected areas. Resources are currently operating in difficult to access terrain and wind speeds are presenting rapidly changing operational conditions. There have been reports that a number of structures have been damaged and destroyed. However, accurate counts have not been confirmed and damage inspection specialists have been ordered to assess the area. California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Eaton Fire this morning and is working in unified command with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Angeles National Forest, Pasadena Fire Department, Arcadia Fire Department, Sierra Madre Fire Department, Pasadena Police Department & the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the area over the fire until 6PM Friday. Northeast winds will continue over the Eaton Fire through the next few days, with somewhat weaker winds Thursday followed by increasing winds in the afternoon. Winds will likely vary significantly between higher terrain and the lower elevations of the fire. Stronger gusts of 30-50 mph could sporadically affect lower elevations and favored valleys. Conditions will remain very dry, with minimum humidity in the teens to upper single digits Thursday afternoon. Poor overnight recoveries near or below 20 percent are forecasted for Thursday night.

A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest. A recording will be available.