Los Angeles fires latest: 30,000 under evacuation order as Pacific Palisades fire spreads

A fast-moving brush fire erupted Tuesday in Los Angeles, threatening homes and causing thousands of residents to flee, as dangerous wind conditions and unseasonably dry, warm weather sweep Southern California.

The Pacific Palisades fire, which grew to nearly 1,300 acres by 3:30 p.m. local time, was first reported before 11 a.m. and quickly prompted thousands of evacuations across the region and into Malibu.

From the mountains to the coast, huge swaths of smoke and flames rose from the area as fire crews battled the wind-driven blaze.

Evacuation orders are in place for approximately 30,000 residents and more than 10,000 homes are threatened, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The City of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency over the massive fire.

Los Angeles Fire Department officials said during a press briefing Tuesday afternoon that wind conditions were expected to worsen into the evening and through the night. Residents in the area were told to have an evacuation plan in order.

No injuries were reported as of Tuesday afternoon, however, several residences were impacted throughout the coastal region.

Fire officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for thousands of residents in the area from Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to Pacific Coast Highway. Those not under evacuation orders are being asked to shelter in place.

Traffic gridlock clogged major streets in the Pacific Palisades area including Palisades Drive and Sunset Boulevard. The LAFD said approximately 30 vehicles left abandoned on Sunset and Palisades would be moved by the county to provide clear access.

Sections of the 10 Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway were closed to all non-essential traffic on Tuesday afternoon.

Nearly 17,000 customers were without power across Los Angeles County, according to PowerOutage.US.

A separate brush fire threatened the West Hollywood area Tuesday morning, with crews working to contain the blaze on Sunset Boulevard between San Vicente and Crescent Heights.

The cause of both fires is currently under investigation, according to Cal Fire.

A “life-threatening” and “destructive” windstorm is also expected from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning across much of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, according to the National Weather Service. Areas that are not typically windy will also be impacted, the agency said.

Much of Southern California is under red flag alerts for fire danger from Tuesday through Thursday as strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity and critically dry fuels jeopardize the region.

According to Cal Fire, residents in Greater Los Angeles County, San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys, San Diego and Riverside mountains, eastern San Diego valleys, Inland Orange County, Santa Ana Mountains, Inland Empire and San Bernardino Foothills should be prepared in case of an evacuation order.

“Stay vigilant, avoid activities that could spark fires and have an evacuation plan ready,” Cal Fire said in an update Tuesday on X.

On Monday evening, California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed state departments to position fire engines, handcrews, aircraft and additional support in areas that could be impacted.

“The state is taking early, proactive steps to coordinate with local partners to protect communities as dangerous weather enters our state. We are no strangers to winter-time wildfire threats, so I ask all Californians to pay attention to local authorities and be prepared to evacuate if told to go,” Newsom said in a statement.

In addition, drought conditions have returned to much of Southern California, according to an update from the U.S. Drought Monitor that was released last week.

Moderate drought now is currently in place from Los Angeles to San Diego, leaving very dry vegetation that can potentially fuel a spark and create a wildfire.