California fire officials have ordered mandatory evacuations, and the government has declared a state of emergency as a fast-moving wildfire spreads rapidly in Pacific Palisades.
The Palisades Fire, which broke out on January 7, 2025, near Palisades Drive in Pacific Palisades, continues to spread uncontrollably with no containment in sight.
Smoke rises from a burning vehicle as a brush fire spreads in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
According to CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), strong winds and extreme conditions are complicating efforts to control the blaze.
The fire has already consumed 1,262 acres, and containment remains at 0%. Strong winds of up to 60 mph are fueling the flames, making firefighting efforts more challenging.
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.
Authorities warn that the fire’s extreme behavior, including spotting over long distances, poses a significant threat to nearby communities. 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
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
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 multiple agencies, including CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles City Fire Department, are working tirelessly to contain the fire. Ground crews and aerial resources have been deployed 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
As the Palisades Fire continues to spread, community members are stepping up to support evacuation and firefighting efforts. Among them is “Police Academy” actor Steve Guttenberg.
Wearing a facemask, Guttenberg urged residents to leave their car keys behind if they park on Palisades Drive for a reason. “People need to understand this isn’t a parking lot,” he said. “If you leave your car behind, leave the key in there so a guy like me can move your car so that these fire trucks can get up there.”
Firefighters control flames from the Palisades Fire on Sunset Boulevard during a strong windstorm on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Guttenberg described how traffic jams on Palisades Drive have made evacuations difficult, explaining that he has been walking up the hill to move cars and help clear the road for residents trying to leave.
Pointing out the urgency of the situation, he added, “There are families up there, there are pets up there. There are people who really need help.” He called for collective action during this time of need, “Don’t worry about your personal property. Just get out. Get your loved ones and get out.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official channels as the situation develops.
