“Full” containment of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles

Firefighting officials announced on Friday that the Eaton Fire, which scorched more than 14,000 acres east of Los Angeles, has now been 100% contained. This achievement, while largely symbolic, comes after more than three weeks of devastating wildfires on both sides of the city, according to Reuters.

Palisades Fire

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also confirmed that the larger Palisades Fire, which burned 23,448 acres on the western side of Los Angeles, is now fully contained.

According to the California Fire Department, these two major fires, along with several smaller blazes, created the worst natural disaster in Los Angeles County’s history, resulting in 28 deaths and causing damage to or destruction of more than 16,000 structures.

County officials stated that at one point, the fire forced the evacuation of 180,000 people.

Losses exceeding $250 billion

Weather forecasting company AccuWeather predicts that the total economic damage and losses will exceed $250 billion.

Much-needed rain finally reached Southern California in recent days, helping firefighters contain the flames. However, it also increased the risk of flash floods and mudslides in the hills.

Firefighters emphasized that while 100% containment is largely symbolic at this stage, the remaining fires are now isolated in steep mountainous terrain.