Fire crews on the scene of that brush fire in Pacific Palisades report the blaze has grown to about 10 acres amid roughly 40 mph winds, and structures are being threatened, according to a report posted early Tuesday — by Tuesday night it was almost 3,000 acres. Crews are staging at LAFD Station 23 on Sunset Boulevard at Los Liones Drive (FOX 11 Los Angeles). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Firefighters and paramedics from Los Angeles County Fire Department responded about 10:30 a.m. PT, Tuesday, January 7, 2025 to a report of brush fire in the block of 1000 Piedra Morada Drive in Pacific Palisades. LA County Fire Department reported they were on scene assisting LAFD (Los Angeles City Fire Department) with a brush fire.
The fire is known as the Palisades Fire. Two additional major fires have developed Tuesday: the Eaton Fire near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive, Altadena/Pasadena, which is east of the Palisades Fire (reported 6:30 PM PT), and the Hurst Fire/Sylmar Fire in the 15900 block of W. Yarnell Street, behind the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center (reported 10:10 PM PT).
Within 20 minutes, the fire grew from 20 acres to 200 acres . The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) said the blaze had reached more than 700 acres (280 ha) by 2:10 p.m, with over 250 firefighters tackling it as it started to reach homes. One hour later the fire had expanded to 1,262 acres, according to CalFire.
During a Los Angeles Fire Department press conference at 3:40 p.m., Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported that over 30,000 people were under evacuation orders. More than 10,000 houses and 13,000 buildings are threat by fire.
At the press conference, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, the president of Los Angeles City Council and acting mayor, declared a state of emergency.
During evacuation, a traffic jam occurred on Sunset Boulevard, and fire jumped across Sunset Boulevard. When people saw the eruption of fire near the road, they abandoned their vehicles causing a road block. Bulldozers were assigned to push more than 100 abandoned vehicles out of the way to clear a route for fire apparatus and crews to travel to their assignments.
A man who was attempting to evacuate the Pacific Palisades wildfire by car recounts how the flames caught up to him and other drivers, prompting them all to ditch their vehicles and run away. Later, a bulldozer was called in to clear the abandoned cars from the road (NBCLA). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Fire department officials ordered residents to shelter in place if they were unable to evacuate.
In some areas of the Pacific Palisades disaster, the fire front was advancing at a rate of two to three football fields per minute (600 feet to 900 feet per minute).
The San Gabriel mountains, Santa Susana mountains, and foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see areas of destructive wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph!
— NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
The wind gust forecast is over 60 mph. Wind velocity conditions are too high for aerial fire attack. Winds were expected to increase to 80 to 100 mph after 10:00 p.m. PT. Winds at 10:00 p.m. were from the northeast to southwest.
Burn victims were reported at Duke’s Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The restaurant announced on their official Facebook page at 9:16 a.m. PT Tuesday, January 7, 2025 that they were closed due to high wind warning and dangerous road conditions.
Palisades Charter High School on Fire with out lot buildings and nearby homes were also burning, according to reports.
Leslie Marshall a Fox News political contributor that lives in the Los Angeles are mentioned that she learned of a person who left their garden hose running water before they evacuated. She thought was a good idea if everyone would leave their garden hose on when they evacuate their homes. I am skeptical that is a good idea because firefighters might not have water pressure where they need it.
Alex Villanueva, former Los Angeles County Sheriff minutes later advised on Fox News that this is a terrible thing to do because multiple garden hoses flowing water would drop the pressure on the main lines that the firefighters need to access. Many of these garden hoses would not be precisely targeted at any fires — just flowing water.
There was also a witness report that there was no water flowing from hydrants, but this may have been caused by inadequate water sources in reservoirs.
Fire Incident Responses reported by the Los Angeles City Fire Department on the day of the Palisades Fire 2025.
The Hurst Fire/Sylmar Fire alert was not listed on the LAFD official website as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Slymar is served by LAFD Station 91.
SYLMAR FIRE
Brush Fire – SYLMAR FIRE MANDATORY EVACUATIONS; INC#3294; 10:10PM; 15986 W Yarnell St; https://bit.ly/40mnXXE; Sylmar; Approximately 50 acres with a rapid rate of spread.
IMMEDIATE EVACUATION ORDERS in place for North of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway split.
LAFD UNITS ASSIGNED: FS 91; Batt 12; Valley Bureau; Council District 7; BC14 BC15 BC5 E103 E108 E28 E305 E496 E81 E86 E87 E89 E91 EM15 RA75 T78 T89 T90; CH8; 13; Margaret Stewart (PIO)
PALISADES FIRE
UPDATE BRUSH FIRE 01/07/2025
Update Brush Fire; INC#0738; 12:23PM;
1190 N Piedra Morada Dr;
https://lafd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Media/index.html?appid=ba8cfed4b4a04d49b7489eb8300727a8;
Pacific Palisades; #PalisadesIC is estimated at 200 acres with structures under immediate threat. There are now mandatory evacuation orders in place which fall within the polygon described as: Northeast is Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Blvd and south to PCH. Westwood Recreation Center is open as an evacuation center and accepts small animals (1350 S Sepulveda Blvd).
For an interactive evacuation map and current status of the fire:
https://lafd.org/news/palisades-fire-0 Media staging is now at Gladstone’s Restaurant at 173000 CA-1 Pacific Palisades;
LAFD UNITS ASSIGNED: FS 23; Batt 9; West Bureau; Council District 11; AO1 AO2 AR1 AR11 BC4 BC701 BC705 BC706 BC717 BC9 BP19 CM40 CM42 CM51 CM52 DZ42 DZ45 E1 E105 E12 E14 E15 E17 E19 E1B E20 E23 E237 E26 E263 E269 E27 E29 E292 E3 E37 E38 E3S E4 E41C E43 E43C E5 E59 E61 E62 E63 E64 E66 E67 E68 E69 E6S E70 E71 E73 E75 E8136 E8137 E8138 E8139 E8140 E85 E90 E93 E94 E98 EM17 EM9 H1 H2 H3 H4 H7 HA1 HA2 HA3 HA4 HA7 HE1 HT3 PB1880 PH1 RA19 RA23 RA37 RA69 RA92 SO1 SU4 T37 T63 T69 WT77; CH5; 1 2; Margaret Stewart (PIO)
BRUSH FIRE 01/07/2025
Brush Fire; INC#0686; 10:09AM;
8481 W Sunset Boulevard; https://bit.ly/4gJAJW2; outside city; 1/4 acre behind a structure fire.; FS 41; Batt 5; West Bureau; Council District outside city;
LAFD UNITS ASSIGNED: BC11 BC5 BC705 CM20 CM22 CM52 E227 E229 E235 E261 E278 E290 E38 E41 E58 E64 E82 E85 EM18 H1 H2 HA1 HA2 RA27 RA58 RA97 T27 T29 T35 T61 T90; CH5; 12; David Ortiz (PIO)
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service
Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
237 PM PST Tue Jan 7 2025
…PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM WEDNESDAY DUE TO DAMAGING NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS/ SAN GABRIEL AND SAN FERNANDO VALLEYS (ESPECIALLY FOOTHILLS)/ BEVERLY AND HOLLYWOOD HILLS/ COASTAL AREAS ADJACENT TO SEPULVEDA PASS / SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS / SANTA SUSANA MOUNTAINS / MALIBU / EASTERN VENTURA VALLEY (MAINLY NEAR SIMI VALLEY/MOORPARK) — THIS WILL LIKELY BE A LIFE THREATENING, DESTRUCTIVE, AND WIDESPREAD WINDSTORM…
…RED FLAG WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND MUCH OF VENTURA COUNTY—SEE TIMINGS IN HEADLINES BELOW…
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR SANTA BARBARA MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EASTERN SANTA YNEZ RANGE INTO WEDNESDAY…
***THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) FOR PORTIONS OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES!***
.A very strong, widespread, and destructive north to northeast windstorm will bring Extremely Critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties into early Wednesday afternoon. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION (PDS) Red Flag Warning event in many areas, with the combination of very strong upper level wind support, tightening offshore pressure gradients (LAX-Daggett peaking at – 7 to -8 mb), and moderate cold air advection. The strongest winds with this event are expected to be this evening into early Wednesday afternoon when widespread damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph are likely. The San Gabriel mountains, Santa Susana mountains, and foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys will likely see areas of destructive wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph! Due to the very strong upper level wind support and high risk for strong mountain wave activity, typical wind sheltered areas such as portions of the LA basin and San Gabriel Valley. The strong winds will likely result in widespread downed trees/powerlines, as well as widespread power outages. THIS WILL LIKELY BE THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE WINDSTORM SEEN SINCE 2011 WINDSTORM THAT DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO PASADENA AND NEARBY FOOTHILLS OF THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY. ANY COMMUNITIES ALONG HIGHWAY 118 AND 210 CORRIDORS WILL BE AT HIGHEST RISK FOR COMPARABLE WIND DAMAGE. Humidity levels are also expected to lower to between 10 and 20 percent in many areas by this evening, potentially lowering into single digits in some areas by Wednesday.
AREAS IN A RED FLAG WARNING (ESPECIALLY DURING THE PDS TIME FRAME) WILL HAVE INCREASED RISK FOR LARGE FIRES WITH VERY RAPID FIRE SPREAD, EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR, AND LONG RANGE SPOTTING. Long duration Red Flag Warnings are in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties Tuesday through Thursday, with Fire Weather Watches in effect Thursday night into Friday. There is a shorter duration of Red Flag conditions across the mountains of Santa Barbara county into Wednesday.
CAZ362-369-370-372>374-548-110100- /O.CON.KLOX.FW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250110T0200Z/ /O.CON.KLOX.FW.A.0001.250110T0200Z-250111T0100Z/ Malibu Coast-Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area- Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area- Western San Fernando Valley-Eastern San Fernando Valley- Southeastern Ventura County Valleys- Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley- 237 PM PST Tue Jan 7 2025
…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PST THURSDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SAN GABRIEL AND SAN FERNANDO VALLEYS (ESPECIALLY FOOTHILLS)/ BEVERLY AND HOLLYWOOD HILLS/ COASTAL AREAS ADJACENT TO SEPULVEDA PASS / SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS / MALIBU / EASTERN VENTURA VALLEY (MAINLY NEAR SIMI VALLEY/MOORPARK)…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR ALL OTHER TIMES THROUGH 6 PM THURSDAY IN THESE SAME AREAS… …FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR POTENTIAL WEAK TO MODERATE OFFSHORE WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR MUCH OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES…
* WINDS…Very strong/damaging north to northeast winds into Wednesday, likely peaking in many areas between this afternoon and Wednesday morning when there is a high risk for strong mountain wave wind activity. During this peak, sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph and widespread damaging gusts of 50 to 80 mph can be expected. Strongest winds likely across the Highways 118 and 210 corridors, including the foothills of the San Gabriel/San Fernando Valleys, and Simi Valley where very powerful and destructive wind gusts of 80 to 100 mph will be likely. Some particular location of greatest concern include Sylmar, Porter Ranch, San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale eastward to foothill communities such as La Crescenta, Altadena, Monrovia, Pasadena, Azusa. and Glendora. Moderate north to northeast winds will likely persist Thursday with gusts of 30 to 50 mph, with some weakening possible by Friday.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…Falling to 10 to 20 percent by this evening afternoon/evening. Humidities will potentially fall to single digits in some areas from Wednesday into Friday.
* IMPACTS…If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior, including long range spotting, which would threaten life and property. There will be a high risk for widespread downed trees and powerlines, as well as widespread power outages.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. Use extreme caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. Residents near wildland interfaces should be prepared to evacuate if a wildfire breaks out. See readyforwildfire.org and wildfirerisk.org for information.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are likely to occur in the coming days. Residents near wildland interfaces should prepare now on what to do if a wildfire breaks out. See readyforwildfire.org and wildfirerisk.org for information.
&&
$$
High Wind Warning URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA 408 PM PST Tue Jan 7 2025
CAZ362-081215- /O.CON.KLOX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250109T0200Z/ Malibu Coast- Including the cities of Malibu and Pacific Palisades 408 PM PST Tue Jan 7 2025
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PST WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…North to northeast winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts between 60 and 80 mph.
* WHERE…Malibu Coast.
* WHEN…Until 6 PM PST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds could blow down many trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Secure any loose objects and gates. Adjust plans to avoid travel during these times. Charge necessary electronic and lighting devices. Fill up generators. Park cars away from trees. When the winds start, stay away from trees and windows.
&&
DEVELOPING …
The information in this article is an early report published before any summary information was confirmed or released by police or fire authorities.
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