Evacuations lifted in Granada Hills as Archer Fire subsides
- Firefighters made substantial progress with the Kenneth Fire being 35% contained after burning 1,000 acres.
- The Archer Fire was quickly contained after reaching 19 acres, with mandatory evacuation orders lifted.
- Both fires were part of a series of wildfires stretching the firefighting resources across Los Angeles County.
On January 10, 2025, in Los Angeles County, California, mandatory evacuation orders were lifted for both the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills area and the Archer Fire in Granada Hills as firefighters made significant progress in containing these blazes. The Kenneth Fire burned through approximately 1,000 acres and was reported to be 35% contained as of noon on January 11. It sparked near Victory Boulevard and Gilmore Street with flames initially threatening populated areas. Firefighters faced challenges posed by strong Santa Ana winds and rugged terrain but managed to establish perimeter lines to halt the fire's advance. Meanwhile, the Archer Fire, which ignited near 17278 W. Sesnon Blvd., quickly expanded from 2 to 3 acres to 19 acres before firefighters successfully curtailed the flames' progression. Mandatory evacuations were put in place as the fire grew but were subsequently lifted on January 11. Early alerts advised residents in the evacuation zone to evacuate immediately due to the fire's erratic behavior and the threat it posed to nearby homes. Both incidents occurred amid a backdrop of several wildfires in Los Angeles County, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by firefighting resources as they responded to multiple blazes simultaneously, including the more devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, which had already destroyed thousands of structures and resulted in fatalities. Local authorities expressed concern over the strain these simultaneous incidents placed on available firefighting resources, leading to an alert that warned of erratic winds contributing to the fire's unpredictable nature. As evacuation orders were lifted, local residents showed relief, but the situation remained precarious with ongoing fire threats in other parts of the county. The lifting of evacuations indicated an improvement in conditions, though the community remains vigilant in monitoring developments related to the ongoing wildfires within the area. The significant involvement of firefighting teams from various agencies played a crucial role in these successful containment efforts, showcasing their dedication amidst challenging circumstances.