Pacific Palisades, California – The Palisades Fire, which ignited in the Santa Monica Mountains on Tuesday morning, forced hundreds of residents to evacuate as they raced to escape the rapidly advancing flames fueled by powerful winds. California Governor Gavin Newsom reported that numerous structures had already been destroyed by the fire, emphasizing the ongoing evacuation efforts.

With over 13,000 structures still under threat, Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, while Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties after meeting with fire officials in Pacific Palisades. The Los Angeles Fire Department announced a press conference scheduled for 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning to provide further updates on the situation.

The fire, which started around 10:20 a.m., quickly spread towards the community of Pacific Palisades, consuming over 2,900 acres by Tuesday evening. Residents were seen evacuating on foot along Sunset Boulevard towards Pacific Coast Highway, leaving behind their vehicles as they made their way to safety near the ocean. Abandoned vehicles were cleared to make way for emergency response teams.

Fueled by dangerously strong wind gusts expected to intensify through Wednesday morning, the fire’s rapid spread raised concerns that it could reach the ocean. L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley noted that the fire originated near Fire Station 23 on North Piedra Miranda Drive when wind speeds reached 25 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. Evacuation orders impacted nearly 30,000 individuals across 10,367 households.

As the fire continued to grow, with containment still at 0%, the exact number of structures destroyed remained unclear. Reports indicated that over 13,000 structures were under threat from the advancing flames. The cause of the fire was yet to be determined.

Evacuation orders were issued rapidly by the L.A. County Fire Department through the Wireless Emergency Alert System, with evacuation zones evolving quickly. Residents were advised to stay informed through an interactive evacuation map provided by local authorities. Additionally, Santa Monica issued evacuation orders for areas north of San Vicente.

Authorities emphasized the urgency for those needing extra time to evacuate, urging immediate departure for individuals with pets and livestock, even if they had only received evacuation warnings. Evacuation centers were established at various locations to accommodate evacuees and their animals.

Road closures, including Pacific Coast Highway in both directions at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, were implemented to facilitate emergency response efforts and ensure public safety. Additional closures were in effect at specific locations to assist with traffic management and evacuation procedures.

In response to the escalating situation, schools in the affected areas announced closures for the following day, with staff working remotely. The Getty Villa, surrounded by burn-affected vegetation, remained closed for safety reasons, despite effective preventive measures taken by staff to protect the museum’s collection.

As the wildfire continued to pose a significant threat to the region, residents were encouraged to stay informed and prepared for potential impacts. The ongoing efforts of firefighters and emergency responders aimed to contain the fire and protect lives and property amidst challenging conditions.