Smoke rises from a burning vehicle as a brush fire spreads in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Smoke rises from a burning vehicle as a brush fire spreads in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
KTLA first reported that the brush fire started at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and had burned 200 acres by 12:30 p.m. CAL FIRE has also reported that the fire has grown to 1,262 acres with zero percent containment. Winds of up to 60 mph continue to fuel the flames, making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult.
Authorities have warned that the fire’s extreme behavior, including spotting over long distances, poses a significant threat to nearby communities.
In response to the growing threat, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to assist communities affected by the Palisades Fire. He called on the residents to stay alert, take precautions, and follow emergency instructions.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for 15 zones in Los Angeles. Residents in LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, RMB-U030-A, SSM-U010-A, SSM-U010-B, TOP-U001, TOP-U002, TOP-U003, TOP-U004, TOP-U005, TOP-U006, TOP-U007, TOP-U008, and TOP-U009 must leave immediately for their safety.
Residents evacuate as a brush fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, burns in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Residents evacuate as a brush fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, burns in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, evacuation warnings have been announced for 19 other zones, advising residents to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.
The affected warning zones include CAL-C405, CAL-C406, CAL-C407, CAL-C408, CAL-C409, CAL-C410, CAL-C411, CAL-C412, CAL-C413, CAL-C414, CAL-C415, DRY-U026, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C112, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, RRC-U027, and SDP-U029.
More residents evacuate their homes on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
More residents evacuate their homes on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
For evacuees, an evacuation center has been set up at the Westwood Recreation Center, located at 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90025. This shelter provides resources and temporary relief for residents displaced from their homes.
Several major roads in the area are closed due to the wildfire and evacuation efforts. These include Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Las Flores Canyon Road, Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and Coastline Drive and Southbound Pacific Coast Highway.
Drivers are strongly urged to avoid these areas and monitor updates from CHP-West Valley for the latest road closure information.
Firefighters from CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles City Fire Department are working tirelessly to contain the fire. Both ground crews and aerial resources are being used to slow its spread and protect homes, infrastructure, and lives.
Firefighters work at the site of a brush fire on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Firefighters work at the site of a brush fire on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images