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, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).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
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.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.
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 parking on Palisades Drive to leave their keys behind. “This is not a parking lot. We really need people to move their cars. 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,” he explained.
The 66-year-old actor described how traffic jams on the street have made it difficult for his friends and other residents to evacuate. He said he had been walking up the hill to move cars and help clear the way.
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.
