California Wildfires Fully Contained After Devastating Losses

The Palisades and Eaton fires, which claimed 29 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures, are now fully contained as recovery efforts begin.

The Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres, caused 12 fatalities, and destroyed 6,837 structures, while the Eaton Fire scorched 14,021 acres, killed 17 people, and destroyed 9,418 structures.
Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway, with the EPA removing hazardous materials and the Army Corps of Engineers preparing for debris clearance, expected to take up to a year for most properties.
Residents returning to burn areas are required to wear protective gear due to toxic debris and must complete forms to opt into free debris removal programs by March 31.
The wildfires, fueled by historic wind events and dry conditions, are projected to be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with damages potentially exceeding $50 billion.
Officials continue investigating the causes of the fires, with lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison alleging its power lines sparked the Eaton Fire.