08 Jan 2025 | 01:20 AM UTC
US: Emergency crews responding to wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California, late Jan. 7 /update 1
Firefighters responding to wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California, US late Jan. 7; Tens of thousands evacuated.
Emergency crews are working to contain a wildfire burning in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County, California, as of late Jan. 7. The blaze broke out southeast of Palisades Drive and is spreading rapidly amid very strong winds. The fire has burned around 511 hectares (1,262 acres) and is 0 percent contained. At least 250 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze. The fire threatens more than 13,000 structures. Reports indicate that several structures have been damaged.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for around 30,000 residents in LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-B, SSM-U010-A, and SSM-U010-B, affecting the area north of the Pacific Coast Highway, south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, east of Tuna Canyon Road, and west of Seabreeze Drive/Surfview Drive. Evacuation warnings are in place for the surrounding areas, including MAL-C111-A, RMB-U030-A, TOP-U007, TOP-U008, and TOP-U009. Authorities have set up an emergency shelter at the Westwood Recreation Center. Several roads in the vicinity of the fire are closed, including Pacific Coast Highway between Temescal Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Boulevard, Topanga Canyon Boulevard except for evacuations, and westbound Interstate-10 at McClure Tunnel to prevent queuing on the Pacific Coast Highway. Evacuees should head southbound on Palisades Drive to Westbound Sunset Boulevard to southbound Pacific Coast Highway. More information on evacuation orders and road closures can be found here. More than 16,000 people across Los Angeles County are without electricity as power companies implemented emergency shutdowns.
Smoke from the fire could worsen air quality in Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas over the short term. Depending on the progression of the wildfire, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will probably close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Further power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall will probably contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Heed evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
