How big are the Los Angeles fires? Putting the devastation into visual context

A dire weather forecast kept tensions high in Los Angeles, as one of North America’s largest cities battles wildfires that have already claimed at least two dozen lives and thousands of homes.

Here are some data points that put into context the risk to the city.

The most destructive fires in California history — and how they compare to Canada’s largest wildfires

The Palisades and Eaton fires are already among the most destructive in California history, burning more than 10,000 structures in just days. With continued winds in the forecast, these numbers could rise to even higher levels. For example, Canada’s most destructive wildfire — in Fort McMurray, Alta., in 2016 — destroyed an estimated 2,400 structures.

Damage mapping to date

At least 24 people died in the fires that broke out on January 7. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, leaving behind a horrific scene.

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How big was the Palisades fire?

Although they are not the largest in California history, these fires are still massive. For example, the Palisades Fire had spread at least 20 kilometers as of Jan. 11, representing about 12% of Toronto and about the same percentage of Montreal.

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After a wet start, most of 2024 has been dry

Los Angeles entered 2025 under dry conditions, despite heavy rains earlier in 2024. The dry end of the rainy season in September created the ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly as the new year began.

How many burns each year in California?

For a country that has suffered devastating bushfires, the first months of 2025 are a grim reminder of the dangers. While California endured two brutal wildfire seasons in 2020 and 2021 — burning nearly three million hectares — the years that followed have brought some relief. However, data from Cal Fire underscores the continuing threat looming over the state.