Firefighting Resources Shift Focus to Palisades Fire as Hurst and Kenneth Fires Near Containment
As wildfires continue to devastate parts of Los Angeles County, there is a glimmer of hope as resources previously allocated to the Hurst and Kenneth Fires are now being redeployed to combat the largest and most unpredictable blaze currently raging: the Palisades Fire.
The Kenneth Fire, which has scorched areas of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, is now 90% contained, while the Hurst Fire in the city of Los Angeles is 76% contained, according to the latest reports from CalFire. This containment progress has allowed firefighting crews to be released from these fires and directed toward assisting in the ongoing efforts to control the Palisades Fire.
Since it broke out on January 7, the Palisades Fire has consumed over 23,654 acres of land and remains only 11% contained. Firefighters have faced challenges battling the fire’s spread, with strong winds contributing to its rapid expansion. However, as the Hurst and Kenneth fires are increasingly contained, resources previously stretched thin can now be focused on this most pressing fire.
CalFire spokesperson Chris Harvey noted that the shift in resources will help speed up the containment of the Palisades Fire. “You’re going to see crews that will be released from those incidents that can then be deployed to the Palisades Fire,” Harvey explained in an interview with CNN on Sunday. This shift in focus comes as firefighters across the region continue to battle multiple fires simultaneously, making coordination and resource allocation a critical element in these complex operations.
The Palisades Fire has been especially challenging due to its size and the difficult terrain surrounding it. Crews continue to work around the clock to protect homes and infrastructure in its path, particularly in areas like Mandeville Canyon, where the fire has threatened residences. In the coming days, the presence of additional resources will be crucial to slowing the fire’s advance and preventing further damage to the surrounding communities.
While the fight against the Palisades Fire is far from over, the containment of the Hurst and Kenneth Fires is a positive sign that local firefighting efforts are starting to gain momentum. As additional crews are freed up and deployed to the largest fire in the region, officials remain hopeful that the Palisades Fire will soon see significant progress in containment.
Keywords: Palisades Fire, Hurst Fire, Kenneth Fire, Los Angeles County, wildfire containment, CalFire, wildfire resources, Mandeville Canyon, fire fighting, L.A. fires, wildfire update, California wildfires, 2025 wildfire season
