Wind-Driven Palisades Fire Grows to 200 Acres in Pacific Palisades, Forcing Evacuations

Jan 7, 2025, 08:17 PM

The wind-driven Palisades Fire erupted in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, on Tuesday morning, rapidly expanding from 20 acres to over 200 acres. Fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 100 mph, the fire is threatening homes in the Santa Monica Mountains and has prompted mandatory evacuation orders for all residents of Pacific Palisades. Authorities describe the winds as 'life-threatening and destructive,' and a red flag warning has been issued for Los Angeles and most of Ventura County. Evacuees are being urged to travel south toward the Pacific Coast Highway, which has been closed due to the blaze. Firefighters are battling the wildfire that started around 10:30 a.m. in the 1100 block of North Piedra Morada Drive.