Southern California Fires Timeline Report Released

UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute released the Southern California Fires Timeline Report. It is the first of two reports in an independent analysis commissioned by the Office of the Governor of California after the devastating January 2025 fires in Southern California.

ULRI’s fire safety research experts conducted an extensive data collection effort to establish a timeline and fact base around these fires. Sources included on-the-ground damage assessments, images (still images and captures from digital videos), weather reports, radio communication recordings, radio transcripts, witness statements, and technical discussions with individuals from many involved organizations and agencies.

This Phase One report provides a detailed, evidence-based timeline of the Palisades and Eaton Fires’ progression and actions taken by emergency response agencies before and during the fires. It also summarizes 10 additional fires that occurred in the area in January and gives important background information on the systems and organizations that contribute to fire prevention, preparedness, and response.

This report will serve as the foundation for Phase Two, the Southern California Fires Incident Analysis Report, which will provide findings and recommendations from an in-depth analysis of the timeline and facts.

PUBLISHED