Residents flee on foot as Palisades Fire torches hillside homes

8 days ago

LAist

Residents flee on foot as Palisades Fire torches hillside homes

The fire could make a run to the ocean as fleeing residents navigate clogged roads.

This is a developing story and will be updated. For the most up-to-date information about the fire you can check:

The Palisades Fire that broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains Tuesday morning sent hundreds of residents fleeing, some of them on foot, as they tried to outrun advancing flames driven by extremely strong winds.

The fire was reported around 10:20 a.m. and immediately began charging toward the community of Pacific Palisades, burning more than 1,200 acres as of around 2:30 p.m. Video from our partners at KCAL News showed people walking on Sunset Boulevard toward Pacific Coast Highway after being told by officers to abandon their cars and walk to safety. Many were seen holding bags and pets as they made their way towards the ocean.

Abandoned vehicles were then bulldozed to make room for emergency vehicles.

By 2 p.m., footage showed multiple structures engulfed in flames, though the extent of the damage was unclear and officials did not immediately have an initial assessment.

The fire is being pushed by dangerously strong wind gusts that are only expected to strengthen through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service said gusts could reach 100 mph in some mountain locations.

Don't be surprised if the fire reaches the ocean.

The basics

Acreage: 1,262 acres as of 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday
Containment: 0%
Structures destroyed: Unclear
Cause: Unclear

Evacuation map and orders

Evacuation orders were issued by the L.A. County Fire Department at 11:52 a.m. via the federal Wireless Emergency Alert System.

Evacuation zones are changing fast, so check out the most up to date, interactive map here.

A topographical map with red evacuation areas and text that reads

Authorities say those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave immediately, even if they've received evacuation warnings.

Evacuation center

Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd. (accepts small animals)

Two firefighters in yellow protective uniforms hose down a house in flames.

Road closures

Pacific Coast Highway is closed in both directions at Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Other closures as of Tuesday afternoon: Southbound PCH at Las Flores Canyon Road; Southbound PCH at Topanga Canyon Boulevard; Coastline Drive and southbound PCH. According to the CHP, traffic in those areas will be diverted northbound on PCH.

PCH is closed also between Temescal Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Boulevard. Topanga Canyon Boulevard is closed, except for evacuations. The westbound 10 Freeway at McClure Tunnel is closed to prevent back up on PCH.