Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) told IrishCentral on Wednesday, January 8 that it closely monitoring the wildfire situation in Los Angeles, California.
The DFA, including the Irish Consulate in Los Angeles, is providing consular assistance, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Irish citizens are advised to follow the advice of local authorities.
Irish citizens in the area are encouraged to register their location online here.
Any Irish citizens who require consular assistance are advised to contact the Irish Consulate in Los Angeles at 310-279-5380.
The spokesperson added that as with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.
On Wednesday, the Irish Consulate in Los Angeles shared information about the local evacuation sites for those impacted by the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.
🚨🔥Please see the information below on evacuation sites for the #PalisadesFire & #EatonFire.
If you are need of consular assistance, please call us at 310-279-5380.
Irish citizens should register their location at: https://t.co/DTvhain2o8 pic.twitter.com/9QN8ESJ0jF
— Consulate General of Ireland, Los Angeles (@IrelandinLA) January 8, 2025
Meanwhile, Ireland’s DFA issued a travel alert on Wednesday regarding the wildfires.
“As of 8 January, extensive, uncontained wildfires are currently burning across Southern California, affecting Los Angeles, Ventura and Riverside counties,” the travel alert says.
“Mandatory Evacuation Orders are in place across the region, including in the cities of Malibu, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Glendale.
“Individuals with immediate travel plans in these areas should consult with official sources before traveling.”
Extensive, uncontained wildfires are currently burning across Southern California, affecting Los Angeles, Ventura and Riverside counties. Consult with official sources before traveling to the region.
More at 👉https://t.co/KanYY1Uc56#travelwise@IrelandinLA @IrelandEmbUSA
— DFATravelWise (@dfatravelwise) January 8, 2025
Three wildfires – the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the smaller Hurst Fire – all began on Tuesday, January 7.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Wednesday evening, the three wildfires were impacting more than a combined 26,000 acres.
More wildfires began on Wednesday – the Lidia Fire, the Woodley Fire, and the Olivas Fire. Together, they are impacting nearly 100 acres as of Wednesday evening.
There is 0% containment of the six wildfires in California as of Wednesday evening.
Officials are concerned that wind gusts of up to 60 MPH are expected to continue through Thursday, potentially aiding in further fire activity and suppression efforts.
Widespread evacuation orders and advisories are in place.
Two fatalities, both related to the Eaton Fire, had been reported as of Wednesday evening.