How big are the LA fires? To put the destruction in visual context

Ominous weather forecasts are keeping 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 the danger the city is in into context.

The most devastating fires in California history – and how they compare to Canada’s largest wildfire

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

Mapping the damage so far

At least 24 people have died in the fires that began on January 7. Whole neighborhoods have been reduced to ruins, leaving behind an apocalyptic landscape.

How big is the Palisades fire?

While not the largest in California history, these fires are still huge. The Palisades fire, for example, spread at least 20 kilometers per hour. Jan. 11 — which represented about 12 percent of Toronto and about the same share of Montreal.

After a wet start, much of 2024 was dry

Los Angeles entered 2025 in dry conditions despite significant rainfall earlier in 2024. A dry end to the wet season in September created optimal conditions for fires to spread quickly as the new year began.

How much does California burn each year?

For a state scarred by devastating wildfires, the first months of 2025 are a grim reminder of the risks. While California endured two brutal wildfire seasons in 2020 and 2021 — burning nearly three million acres — the years since had brought some reprieve. However, data from Cal Fire underscores the ongoing threat looming over the state.