As of the latest update from Cal Fire, the Palisades Fire has expanded significantly, now covering 2,921 acres with 0% containment.
This rapid growth has alarmed local officials, as they warn of extreme fire behavior fueled by strong wind gusts, reaching up to 60 mph.
These weather conditions are expected to persist through Thursday, making firefighting efforts increasingly challenging.
In response to the escalating fire, power has been shut off for approximately 15,000 Southern California customers to mitigate the risk of equipment sparks igniting additional fires.
Additionally, roughly 500,000 more residents are at risk of experiencing power outages. As the situation remains critical, officials urge all residents to comply with evacuation orders, particularly those in the areas of Topanga and Malibu.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has issued an urgent call for assistance, requesting all off-duty firefighters and individuals with firefighting experience to report for duty immediately.
The Palisades Fire has already caused significant destruction, including damage to the Pacific Palisades Charter High School.
Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and Governor Newsom has emphasized that the community is ‘not out of the woods’ yet.
Cal Fire will take command of the situation on Wednesday morning, as the battle to contain the flames continues.
Eaton Canyon Blaze Escalates Amid Palisades Fire Crisis
A fresh fire has erupted in Eaton Canyon, adding to the already dire situation as the Palisades inferno continues to rage.
The Eaton fire has spread rapidly, covering approximately 10 acres, while the Palisades fire surges past 2,900 acres.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has issued an urgent call for all off-duty firefighters and those with firefighting experience to assist in combating these blazes.
With dangerous conditions presenting an ongoing threat, authorities brace for further fires.
The situation in Eaton Canyon has intensified, with the fire exploding to over 200 acres within an hour.
This alarming growth has led to mandatory evacuation orders in the area. Many residents across Los Angeles have been affected, with over 80,000 households left without power.
The outages stem from strong winds and precautionary shutoffs enacted by utility companies to prevent additional fire hazards.
The Palisades fire is reported to be tearing through five football fields per minute, fueled by gusty winds reaching speeds of 60-80 mph. As the blaze surpasses 2,900 acres with no immediate end in sight, firefighters are stretched thin.
The Eaton fire has now doubled to 400 acres within two hours of its outbreak. As Wednesday approaches, forecasts indicate gusts of up to 60 mph along with extremely critical fire weather conditions for both Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Residents are urged to adhere to evacuation orders and maintain readiness for potential further outages.
Palisades Fire Forces Widespread Evacuations as New Blaze Erupts in Altadena
The Palisades Fire has rapidly spread to an alarming size of 2,900 acres, leading to mandatory evacuations for residents in northern Santa Monica.
The evolving situation has prompted officials to issue urgent alerts regarding the immediate threat to life in the region.
As the fire continues to grow, firefighters are facing critical challenges due to high winds that have grounded all firefighting aircraft, limiting available resources.
Evacuations have extended north of San Vicente Boulevard in Santa Monica, impacting many residents who are now under strict orders to leave.
Until now, the warning had been to prepare for a possible evacuation; however, the explosive growth of the Palisades Fire requires immediate action.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of following all evacuation orders to ensure the safety of those in affected areas.
In addition to the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire in Altadena has ignited, escalating to 200 acres and also triggering emergency evacuations.
Unified command, including the U.S. Forest Service, L.A. County Fire, and Pasadena Fire, is actively managing these incidents to ensure public safety.
With conditions remaining critical due to strong winds, it is crucial for residents living near both fires to stay alert and adhere to evacuation notifications.