Posted on 01/08/25
| News Source: FOX News
A large, fast-moving and growing brush fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in Pacific Palisades, prompting mandatory evacuations affecting tens of thousands of people and highway closures, including people who abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot.
More than 13,000 buildings and 26,000 people are in the evacuation zone, which has been labeled "under immediate threat," according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
As of 9:20 p.m., nearly 3,000 acres had burned, according to Cal Fire.
About 30,000 people have been evacuated from a total of 10,000 households, or 15,000 structures, to include businesses and other buildings so far with no injuries, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters at a news conference.
Over 250 LAFD firefighters were battling the blaze, in addition to firefighters from neighboring agencies. Approximately 30 vehicles left abandoned on Sunset and Palisades will be moved by the county to provide clear access, the fire department said.
LAFD announced via X at about 9:30 p.m. all off-duty members are to call with their availability to be called upon to help fight the fire.
Other fire vehicles being utilized included 46 engines, three trucks, five helicopters, four brush patrols, two water tenders, six paramedic ambulances, one fast response vehicle, one advanced nurse practitioner unit, two bulldozers, 10 chief officers, fire investigators and safety officers, said LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.
No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed, authorities said.
Peak winds were expected to occur between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Wednesday, officials said. Firefighters were expected to battle the blaze from the air well into the evening, making it more dangerous because of the darkness and strong winds.
Video from the scene shows at least two homes on fire in the area of Shadow Mountain Drive and Bienveneda Avenue, according to a report from FOX 11. At least a dozen homes on Shadow Mountain Drive are at threat.