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Pacific Palisades fire latest: Over 1,200 acres burned as ‘life-threatening’ winds force 30,000 residents to evacuate

The fast-moving LA brush fire has been fueled by dangerous fire weather and whipping winds in the state of California

Julia Musto
in New York
Wednesday 08 January 2025 00:38 GMT
Comments
Fire erupts in Pacific Palisades

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Fueled by extreme fire conditions and damaging wind gusts, the Palisades Fire tore quickly over hundreds of acres on Tuesday.

The brush fire has forced evacuations in the Los Angeles, California, community of Pacific Palisades, with orders established from the hills down to the Pacific Coast Highway.

“Evacuate now from the area of Palisades Area. Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place,” an emergency alert from the city said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said firefighters were working to aggressively respond to the fire, and that strike teams had been “pre-deployed” in areas prone to wildfire.

The fast-moving fire sent a plume of thick, grey smoke into the air, and residents shared videos of bright orange and yellow flames lining the tree-covered hills.

Actor James Woods shared on social media that he was in the process of leaving the area, as the smoke filled the surrounding skies.

While there were no major reports of damage yet, Fox 11 Los Angeles’ Matthew Seerdorff said that “homes are burning” as the wind strengthens.

Some other small fires were also reported and more dangerous weather is forecast to last through Wednesday, bringing the potential for additional power outages. More than 42,000 customers had no power by the afternoon, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.

Here’s where officials want evacuees to head

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:34

The Getty Villa closes to non-emergency staff

Alexandria Sivak, a spokeswoman for the Getty, told The New York Times on Tuesday that officials had closed one of its venues, the Getty Villa, to non-emergency staff.

The museum, which is located in Pacific Palisades, is closed to the public on Tuesdays anyway.

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:30

These are the roads affected by the Palisades Fire

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:29

CBS reporter runs through neighborhood as it goes up in flames: ‘We’ve gotta go!'

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:20

Palisades Fire jumps to 772 acres

The Palisades Fire has now burned 772 acres, according to Cal Fire.

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:17

Residents can sign up for local alerts about the Palisades Fire

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:15

Aerial assists have been working throughout the day to combat the Palisades Fire

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:13

Los Angeles City Councilwoman says situation is ‘absolutely terrifying'

“This is absolutely terrifying,” Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, told The New York Times.

She said that the Palisades Highlands, a housing development in the northern part of the Pacific Palisades, had been particularly affected.

“People need to take this seriously,” she said. “This is not a drill.”

Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:09

The Palisades Fire: Photos show massive plumes of orange smoke as Pacific Palisades residents flee

A brush fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades, California, on Monday. The flames tore through the hills
A brush fire burns near homes in Pacific Palisades, California, on Monday. The flames tore through the hills (AFP via Getty Images)
Firefighters work as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on Monday. Firefighters had been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas on Tuesday
Firefighters work as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on Monday. Firefighters had been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas on Tuesday (AFP via Getty Images)
People drive out of harm’s way as the Palisades Fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on Monday. The fire had torn over 200 acres
People drive out of harm’s way as the Palisades Fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on Monday. The fire had torn over 200 acres (Getty Images)
People evacuate their home as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on Tuesday. Evacuation orders were issued for the entire community
People evacuate their home as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on Tuesday. Evacuation orders were issued for the entire community (AFP via Getty Images)
Julia Musto7 January 2025 22:07

Los Angeles students relocate due to fire activity

Julia Musto7 January 2025 21:58

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