Palisades Fire Forces Mass Evacuations in Northern Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades

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LOS ANGELES (WE)— A fast-moving wildfire broke out early Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and putting more than 13,000 homes and structures in immediate jeopardy. Dubbed the Palisades Fire, the blaze has scorched over 2,921 acres as of Tuesday evening, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds and critically dry vegetation, creating what officials have described as “life-threatening” conditions.

Mandatory Evacuation Orders Issued

Authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of northern Santa Monica, encompassing the area between San Vicente Boulevard and the city’s northern boundary. The evacuation zone spans Ocean Boulevard to 26th Street, covering residential neighborhoods, commercial properties, and critical infrastructure.

“This is not a voluntary warning; this is a life-saving order,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley during an evening press conference. “If you are in the evacuation zone, you must leave immediately.”

**A woman breaks down in tears as the Palisades Fire rapidly engulfs parts of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on January 7. (Photo by Etienne Laurent/Associated Press)**

The City of Santa Monica released a public advisory categorizing the evacuation as an “immediate threat to life” and confirming that the affected areas have been sealed off to all non-emergency access.

Evacuation centers, including the Palisades Recreation Center on Alma Real Drive, have opened to accommodate displaced residents. Additional shelters have been set up to house evacuees and provide essential resources such as food, water, and medical care. Local animal shelters are working to rescue and house pets left behind in the chaos.

Explosive Growth of the Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire erupted early Tuesday morning, spreading rapidly due to gusts of up to 100 mph in mountainous regions and 40 mph in coastal areas. These conditions, compounded by months of drought and exceptionally low humidity, created a perfect storm for the fire to expand uncontrollably.

As of 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, containment remains at 0%. Flames continue to advance toward heavily populated neighborhoods, threatening iconic landmarks such as the historic Getty Villa and Palisades Charter High School.

The fire has also encroached on the wooded community of Topanga Canyon, where winding roads and dense vegetation have left many residents with limited evacuation options. Emergency crews have described conditions as “extremely hazardous,” with glowing embers sparking secondary fires in hard-to-reach areas.

Firefighting Efforts: A Herculean Challenge

**A wind-fueled wildfire tears through Pacific Palisades on Tuesday. (Photo by Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)**

The firefighting response has been unprecedented in scale, with over 250 personnel on the ground supported by 46 fire engines, five helicopters, and three fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopters have been sourcing water from the Pacific Ocean to suppress the flames, while ground crews work tirelessly to establish containment lines in the face of erratic winds.

Despite these efforts, the fire remains dangerously unpredictable. Chief Crowley explained that wind-driven embers are sparking new fires far beyond the original perimeter, complicating containment. “We’re essentially dealing with multiple fires within the main fire,” she said.

Additional reinforcements from neighboring counties have been requested to bolster the response, including specialized teams trained to operate in extreme wind conditions.

Air Quality and Health Concerns

The wildfire has caused a dramatic decline in air quality across Los Angeles County. Dense smoke and ash have blanketed the skies, reducing visibility and posing serious health risks. Residents as far away as Pasadena have reported difficulty breathing, with air quality indexes reaching hazardous levels in some areas.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued advisories urging residents to remain indoors, close all windows, and use HEPA air purifiers if available. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly vulnerable and are advised to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Red Flag Warning: A Continuing Threat

**Flames from the Palisades Fire engulf a truck along Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday. (Photo by Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)**

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles County, forecasting that the strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions will persist through Wednesday. Wind gusts are expected to peak at 100 mph in the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains, with valley regions experiencing sustained winds of 30–50 mph.

“These are among the strongest wind events we’ve seen in years,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, during a live briefing. “The fire behavior overnight could become even more dangerous and potentially unstoppable if new ignition points occur.”

Swain noted that it was a “small miracle” the Palisades Fire is currently the only major wildfire in the region, given the critical weather conditions. However, he warned that any new fires sparked overnight could rapidly grow out of control.

Evacuation orders are for the red areas on this map.

Neighboring Fires Complicate Response

In addition to the Palisades Fire, firefighters are battling another blaze northeast of Los Angeles in the communities of Altadena and Pasadena. Known as the Eaton Fire, this smaller but still significant wildfire has already consumed over 200 acres and prompted evacuation orders.

While the Eaton Fire is not yet threatening as many structures as the Palisades Fire, high winds in the region could exacerbate the situation. Firefighters have been forced to divide resources between the two incidents, stretching already thin personnel and equipment.

Evacuation Challenges and Community Response

The evacuation process has been fraught with challenges. Traffic jams along major routes have left some residents stranded, with reports of individuals abandoning their vehicles to flee on foot. Emergency crews are working to clear roadways and assist those in need.

In the midst of the crisis, the community has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Local businesses and nonprofits have mobilized to support evacuees, providing food, shelter, and financial aid. Volunteers at evacuation centers are working around the clock to ensure displaced residents receive the care and resources they need.

Personal Accounts: On the Ground Amid the Chaos

**Firefighters work tirelessly to contain a house fire on Bollinger Drive in Pacific Palisades, sparked by the rapidly expanding Palisades Fire. (Photo credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)**

For many residents, the fire’s rapid spread has been a terrifying ordeal. Maria Lopez, a 42-year-old mother of two, described fleeing her Topanga Canyon home with little more than the clothes on her back. “The wind was so strong, it felt like the fire was chasing us,” she said. “We could see flames in the rearview mirror as we drove away.”

Others have recounted the difficulty of leaving cherished possessions behind. “It’s heartbreaking to think about what we might lose,” said David Harper, a 65-year-old retired teacher evacuating from the northern Santa Monica area. “But you realize very quickly that your family’s safety is what matters most.”

Safety Recommendations and Resources

Authorities are urging residents to prioritize safety and comply with evacuation orders without delay. For those in areas not yet affected, officials recommend preparing an emergency kit that includes essential documents, medications, and supplies for at least three days.

Residents with large animals are advised to make arrangements for transportation and shelter. Local animal shelters and farms are offering temporary housing for pets and livestock displaced by the fire.

For real-time updates on evacuation zones and shelter locations, residents are encouraged to visit the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department website or call 311. Fire maps and incident reports can be accessed on Cal Fire’s official page, while air quality advisories are available through the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

A Grim Reminder of California’s Wildfire Risk

The Palisades Fire serves as a stark reminder of California’s vulnerability to wildfires, even during the winter months. Prolonged drought, climate change, and the state’s notorious Santa Ana winds have combined to create an ever-present wildfire threat.

As firefighters continue their battle against the flames, the focus remains on protecting lives, homes, and critical infrastructure. While the path to containment remains uncertain, one message from officials is clear: Preparedness and vigilance are key to surviving this crisis.

“Your safety is our top priority,” Chief Crowley reiterated. “We’ll do everything we can to protect this community, but we need everyone to do their part by staying informed and following evacuation orders.”

With high winds expected to persist into Wednesday, the situation remains volatile. Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor official updates, and be ready to act as conditions evolve.