Thousands of people fled their homes as a wildfire in the Pacific Palisades quickly spread to 3,000 acres (1,260 hectares) on Tuesday, a blaze that authorities said could grow further as even stronger winds are expected overnight.
Click here for an evacuation map.
Winds in the area were blowing 40 miles per hour when the wildfire broke out Tuesday morning before quickly exploding in size and spreading to 500 acres within an hour. The Los Angeles Fire Department first reported the fire broke out near 1190 North Piedra Morada Dr. at 10:30 a.m. Just hours later, around 3 p.m., firefighters estimated the fire had reached 1,262 hectares.
About 30,000 people have been evacuated, while an estimated 10,367 homes remain threatened by the fast-moving flames, fire and law enforcement officials said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Winds in Santa Ana are expected to become stronger later this evening, peaking from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday, potentially complicating firefighting efforts and spreading the flames even further.
“We are far from out of the woods,” Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters Tuesday afternoon, saying the state has sent 110 fire trucks to Southern California in anticipation of the high winds.
Newsom said he saw homes on fire, but authorities have not yet released an exact damage estimate.
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Forecasters say some parts of the region could see wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour – likely the worst conditions on record. a 2011 storm that left $40 million in damage in Los Angeles County.
Mandatory evacuation orders were first issued around noon, along with some evacuation warnings. According to the California Department of Transportation, the Pacific Coast Highway was completely closed near Topanga Canyon Boulevard as some motorists abandoned their cars on Sunset Boulevard to flee the encroaching flames.
The Los Angeles Fire Department first reported the fire at 10:30 a.m. and said it originated near 1190 North Piedra Morada Dr. and at that time was an estimated 20 hectares in size. About an hour later, around 11:30 a.m., the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection estimated that the wildfire covered 200 acres. Within hours, around 3 p.m., Cal Fire said it covered 1,262 acres.
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Emergency shelters and evacuation map
As the flames spread quickly Tuesday, fanned by powerful Santa Ana winds, some drivers abandoned their cars on Sunset, near where L.A.’s main drag meets the PCH. Some said The fire brigade told them to leave and flee on foot. About 30 vehicles were left abandoned, according to the LA Fire Department.
Meanwhile, thousands of residents escaped from their homes as firefighters continued to battle the blaze in the Pacific Palisades.
Krishan Chaudry, a resident of the coastal community of LA, said he could see flames burning from his backyard, which he said appeared suddenly. Thick, billowing plumes of black smoke could be seen rising over the PCH as the flames raged through the hills.
“This just happened,” Chaudry said. “We were just looking at the smoke, and then suddenly we saw fire everywhere.”
According to the fire department, the Westwood Recreation Center is open as an evacuation center and night shelter for evacuees and small animals.
The latest information from Cal Fire on evacuations and resources for those affected can be found here.
“Life-threatening” storm and a major red flag warning
Many parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the area where the wildfire started, are facing a red flag warning this week for an “extremely dangerous situation.” It’s a relatively rare advisory that the National Weather Service issues in more extreme cases, and it’s the same warning that was issued just before. the Mountain Fire Last year, nearly 20,000 acres were destroyed in neighboring Ventura County.
Forecasters have warned of a ‘life-threatening’ storm that is likely to be the most powerful to hit the region since 2011.
This week, Cal Fire has prepared additional resources as much of the region braces for particularly strong Santa Ana winds, which could fan powerful wildfires and spread quickly. Forecasters say gusts of 60 to 75 mph are possible in many areas and up to 100 mph in some parts of Southern California.
“This will likely be a life-threatening, destructive and widespread storm,” the National Weather Service said Monday, noting that the “Extremely Hazardous Condition” warning will be in effect from Tuesday afternoon until 4 p.m. Wednesday for areas of LA, including Malibu. .
In December, the coastal community experienced the Franklin Fire, which destroyed more than two dozen structures, including several homes, as it burned more than 10,000 acres.
Roads close, schools move due to increasing fire
The following PCH closures have been announced by authorities, while the latest updates can be found here.
- Pacific Coast Highway southbound at Las Flores Canyon Rd
- Pacific Coast Highway southbound at Topanga Canyon Boulevard
- Coastline Drive and Pacific Coast Highway southbound
Several schools in the Pacific Palisades area are temporarily relocating students and staff, the Los Angeles Unified School District spokesperson said.
Affected campuses include Palisades Elementary School and Marquez Elementary School, which will move to Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet, while Paul Revere Middle School will move to University High School Charter. Meanwhile, Corpus Christi School is being evacuated as the wildfire continues to spread.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
