California fire officials have ordered people to leave their homes, and the government has declared an emergency as a wildfire spreads quickly in Pacific Palisades.
The fire, which started on January 7, 2025, near Palisades Drive, is still out of control with no progress in stopping it, according to CAL FIRE.
A vehicle burns as smoke fills the air from a brush fire spreading in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
KTLA reported that the fire started at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and had burned 200 acres by 12:30 p.m. CAL FIRE later confirmed that it has grown to 1,262 acres with no containment. Strong winds, reaching up to 60 mph, are making it harder for firefighters to control the flames.
Officials have warned that the fire is spreading dangerously, with embers traveling far and threatening nearby areas.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to help the affected communities. He urged residents to stay alert, stay safe, 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.
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.
Evacuees can go to the Westwood Recreation Center at 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90025. This shelter offers support and a temporary place to stay for those who had to leave their homes.
Several main roads are closed because of the wildfire and evacuations. These include:
- Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Las Flores Canyon Road
- Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard
- Coastline Drive and Southbound Pacific Coast Highway
Drivers should avoid these areas and check updates from CHP-West Valley for the latest road closures.
Firefighters from CAL FIRE, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Los Angeles City Fire Department are working hard to control the fire. They are using both ground crews and aircraft to slow the fire’s spread and protect people, homes, and property.
As the Palisades Fire spreads, community members are helping with evacuation and firefighting efforts, including “Police Academy” actor Steve Guttenberg.
Wearing a mask, Guttenberg asked residents parking on Palisades Drive to leave their keys with their cars. He said, “This is not a parking lot. We need people to move their cars. If you leave your car, leave the key so someone like me can move it and let fire trucks get through.”
The 66-year-old actor explained that traffic jams on the street have made it hard for his friends and other residents to evacuate. He said he had been walking up the hill to move cars and help clear the road.
Emphasizing the urgency, he said, “There are families, pets, and people up there who need help.” He urged everyone to focus on safety, adding, “Don’t worry about your belongings. Just get out. Take your loved ones and leave.”
Authorities continue to stress the importance of following evacuation orders and staying updated through official channels.