alisades Fire Explodes to Nearly 800 Acres During Critical Fire Weather in Southern California TNW News Breaking News Staff – January 7, 2025

LOS ANGELES – A fast-moving wildfire in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles has prompted mandatory evacuations as it spreads rapidly amid extreme fire weather. Known as the Palisades Fire, the blaze has scorched nearly 800 acres as powerful Santa Ana winds fuel its growth.

Evacuation Orders and Traffic ChaosResidents in the Pacific Palisades Highlands and surrounding areas have been ordered to evacuate immediately. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) officials warn those outside the evacuation zone to shelter in place and avoid the area.

"Evacuate now from the Palisades area. Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place," read a statement posted by the City of Los Angeles on X.

Evacuations extend to communities down to the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Coast Highway has been shut down from the 10 Freeway to Topanga Canyon to facilitate evacuee and emergency vehicle movement.

Fire ProgressionThe fire was first reported as a vegetation fire around 10:30 a.m. PT and quickly spread to 200 acres within an hour, according to LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott. By 2:30 p.m. PT, the fire had consumed over 772 acres, driven by wind gusts of 50-60 mph.

"This is the worst possible scenario for firefighting," said David Ortiz, LAFD Public Information Officer.

Santa Ana Winds Drive Extreme ConditionsThe National Weather Service (NWS) reports that a significant Santa Ana wind event, potentially the strongest in over a decade, began early Tuesday. Gusts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have peaked at 84 mph in some areas, with isolated gusts exceeding 100 mph in mountainous regions.

“These conditions are creating a particularly dangerous situation,” said an NWS spokesperson. “Residents in high-risk areas should be prepared to evacuate and remain alert.”

Power outages have impacted thousands, with Southern California Edison initiating preemptive shutoffs in Los Angeles and Ventura counties to reduce fire risks.

Official ResponseLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the situation "very dangerous," urging residents to heed evacuation orders and follow public safety directives. Nearly 100 firefighters, along with pre-positioned strike teams, are actively combating the blaze.