With wildfires burning out of control in Southern California, it’s hard to keep track of where things stand. While social media is filled with terrifying images, it’s still difficult to comprehend the extent of the devastation.
Firefighters are currently battling at least six blazes. The Thomas Fire in Ventura County, the Rye Fire near Santa Clara, the Creek Fire located north of downtown Los Angeles, and the Skirball Fire that is threatening dozens of Hollywood homes. Thursday, two new fires—the Lilac Fire in San Diego county and the Liberty Fire near Murrieta—emerged.
Here’s a look at the current status of each, summarized using updates from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the city’s Emergency Management Department, and Cal Fire. We will continue to update this post regularly.
The Big Picture
Acreage – 159,198 (249 square miles, the size of Virginia Beach. Should another 34,200 acres burn, the fires will reach the size of New York City.)
Evacuations – 260,000 people (roughly equivalent to the entire population of St. Petersburg, Fla.)
Winds – could hit 50-60 mph
Homes and businesses threatened – More than 22,920
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 162
Thomas Fire
Size – 132,000 acres
Containment – 10%
Homes and businesses threatened – 15,000
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 106
(Last update: Dec. 8 at 6:42am PT)
Creek Fire
Size – 15,323 acres
Containment – 20%
Homes and businesses threatened – 2,500
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 30
(Last update: Dec. 7 at 8:28pm PT)
Rye Fire
Size – 7,000 acres
Containment – 25%
Homes and businesses threatened – 5,420
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 1
(Last update: Dec. 7 at 6:42pm PT)
Skirball Fire
Size – 475 acres
Containment – 30%
Homes and businesses threatened – unknown
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 18
(Last update: Dec. 7 at 5:00pm PT)
Liberty Fire
Size – 300 acres
Containment – 10%
Homes and businesses threatened – unknown
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 2
(Last update: Dec. 7 at 8:07pm PT)
Lilac Fire
Size – 4,100 acres
Containment – 30%
Homes and businesses threatened – unknown
Homes and businesses damaged or destroyed – 5 destroyed, unknown number damaged
(Last update: Dec. 7 at 7:39pm PT)
