Flags at government buildings in California were ordered to half-staff Wednesday for a day of remembrance one year after the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Jan. 7 marks 12 months since the start of the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire in Altadena. The Palisades Fire started that morning in the community tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the LA County coast. Hours later, the Eaton Fire ignited in a dark canyon above the San Gabriel Valley.
“As we mourn the victims of the Los Angeles fires, we also honor the first responders, community leaders and public servants who ran toward danger and went above and beyond to protect Angelenos,” the proclamation from Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “We recognize the resilience of survivors who continue to rebuild, often carrying grief alongside hope.
“And we affirm a solemn commitment: California will not turn away. We will stand with these communities until recovery is complete, homes are rebuilt and lives are restored as fully possible.”
The fire erupted in a ferocious Santa Ana windstorm that fanned flames into neighborhoods, destroying homes and businesses.
The 23,700-acre Palisades Fire became the ninth-deadliest and third-most destructive wildfire on record in California. Twelve deaths were reported in connection with the Palisades Fire, which destroyed more than 6,800 structures.
The Eaton Fire grew to 14,000 acres, leaving 19 people dead and destroying 9,400 structures. It is the fifth-deadliest and second-most destructive wildfire in California history.