LOS ANGELES, CA – A devastating wildfire fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds has swept through the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, leaving more than 1,000 structures destroyed, scorching over 12,000 acres, and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Firefighters continued battling the flames on Wednesday as homes, schools, and landmarks suffered extensive damage.
The blaze was first reported at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday near Piedra Morada and Monte Hermoso drives, close to the Palisades Hills Recreation Center. As of Wednesday evening, fire officials said the fire had expanded to 11,802 acres and remained completely uncontained.
Damage and Injuries
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone stated that while there were no reported fatalities, numerous residents who refused evacuation orders sustained serious injuries. He added that more than 1,000 structures had been confirmed destroyed, with the threat still looming over thousands more.
Chief Marrone also noted that the firefighting resources in the area had reached their limit, prompting requests for reinforcements from counties including Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Assistance from neighboring states such as Nevada, Oregon, and Washington was also en route. These reinforcements include 50 engine strike teams, 250 fire engines, and more than 1,000 additional personnel.
Impact on Schools and Landmarks
Palisades Charter High School sustained significant damage, but officials confirmed the campus remains standing. Principal Dr. Pamela Magree issued a statement assuring the school community that efforts were underway to reopen before the end of the semester, though operations may initially be altered.
The Palisades Branch Library was less fortunate, succumbing to flames as the fire rapidly spread through the area. Witnesses reported watching the building burn as firefighters focused on containing the fire elsewhere.
Vegetation surrounding the Getty Villa Museum also caught fire, but the museum itself emerged unscathed. Museum officials credited advanced fire prevention systems, including on-site water storage, irrigation, and air filtration systems, for protecting the structure and its artifacts. Despite escaping physical damage, the museum will remain closed until January 13.
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the scale of destruction, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The declaration allows state resources to be redirected from Northern California to assist in firefighting efforts.
“This is a highly dangerous windstorm creating extreme fire risk, and we’re not out of the woods,” Newsom stated, thanking first responders for their swift actions and urging residents to heed evacuation orders.
The city of Los Angeles also declared a local emergency on Tuesday, enabling additional resources to be deployed.
Evacuations and Shelters
Approximately 30,000 residents have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders, with additional warnings issued as the fire spreads. Residents of Santa Monica living between the city’s northern border and San Vicente Boulevard, and between Ocean Boulevard and 26th Street, were instructed to evacuate immediately.
According to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, more than 10,000 households and 15,000 structures, including businesses, were evacuated. An interactive live map of the evacuation areas can be found by clicking here.
Evacuation shelters were established at the Westwood Recreation Center on Sepulveda Boulevard and the Dream Center in Hollywood. Facilities for animals were also set up, including shelters for large animals at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank and Pierce College in Woodland Hills.
Road Closures and Traffic Congestion
Several major roads and highways were shut down, adding to the challenges faced by residents fleeing the area. Closures included:
- Eastbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard
- Pacific Coast Highway between Temescal Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Boulevard
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard
- Westbound 10 Freeway at McClure Tunnel and Lincoln Boulevard
Severe traffic congestion resulted in many residents abandoning their vehicles and fleeing on foot. Approximately 100 abandoned vehicles further complicated evacuation and emergency response efforts, prompting authorities to use bulldozers to clear the roadways.
Residents were urged to avoid areas west of the 405 Freeway between Sunset Boulevard and the 101 Freeway to allow first responders access.
Fire Response and Injuries
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported multiple firefighter injuries, including burns sustained in Malibu. Crews continued to face hazardous conditions as the strong winds fueled the flames.
The fire damaged Los Angeles Fire Station 23, located at Sunset Boulevard and Los Liones Drive. Despite this, crews continued to work tirelessly to prevent further losses.
School Closures
All Malibu schools were closed on Wednesday, January 8, as were several Los Angeles Unified School District campuses, including:
- Canyon Charter Elementary
- Marquez Charter Elementary
- Palisades Charter Elementary
- Paul Revere Charter Middle School.
Officials are considering transitioning to online learning for affected areas, with updates available on the LAUSD website. Parents seeking additional support can contact the district’s Family Hotline.
Weather Conditions And General Information
Meteorologists warned of continued high winds and issued Red Flag Warnings through Thursday evening. Weather experts described the windstorm as one of the most severe to hit the region since 2011, complicating firefighting efforts.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, prepare for possible evacuations, and stay informed about changing conditions. Updates and evacuation maps are available through local emergency alert systems.
As firefighters work to bring the flames under control, investigators are looking into the initial cause of the fire. Meanwhile, recovery efforts are expected to continue for weeks, with displaced residents relying on shelters and emergency assistance.
California’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating aid, and officials have urged the public to donate to reputable charities assisting fire victims.
With thousands of structures destroyed and more still at risk, authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation during evacuations to prevent further casualties. Residents are encouraged to stay out of restricted areas and report any suspicious activity that could hinder firefighting operations.
For more information and a map, visit NotifyLA.
Emergency updates will continue as officials assess damages and containment progress.
