Off The Record

These Areas Are Under Immediate Threat Amid Pacific Palisades Fire

Published on January 9, 2025

A fast-moving wildfire in the Pacific Palisades has prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and fire officials in California to order mandatory evacuations.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Palisades Fire, which began on January 7, 2025, near Palisades Drive in Pacific Palisades, is still out of control and shows no signs of stopping.

The brush fire began at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and had burned 200 acres by 12:30 p.m., according to the initial report from KTLA. Additionally, according to CAL FIRE, the fire has spread to 1,262 acres and is completely uncontained. Firefighting is becoming more challenging as winds of up to 60 mph continue to feed the fires.

Authorities have issued a warning that towns in the vicinity are seriously at risk due to the fire’s unusual behavior, which includes spotting over great distances.

Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to aid areas impacted by the Palisades Fire in response to the escalating threat. He urged the citizens to be vigilant, exercise caution, and adhere to emergency protocols.

In 15 areas of Los Angeles, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued. Residents must evacuate immediately for their safety if they live in LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, RMB-U030-A, SSM-U010-A, SSM-U010-B, TOP-U001, TOP-U002, TOP-U003, TOP-U004, TOP-U005, TOP-U006, TOP-U007, TOP-U008, or TOP-U009.

Residents in 19 other zones have also received evacuation advisories, instructing them to be ready to depart at any time.

CAL-C405, CAL-C406, CAL-C407, CAL-C408, CAL-C409, CAL-C410, CAL-C411, CAL-C412, CAL-C413, CAL-C414, CAL-C415, DRY-U026, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C112, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, RRC-U027, and SDP-U029 are among the impacted warning zones.

The Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90025, has been designated as an evacuation center for evacuees. For those who have been displaced from their homes, this shelter offers supplies and short-term support.

Because of the wildfire and evacuation attempts, a number of the area’s main highways are closed. These include Coastline Drive and Southbound Pacific Coast Highway, Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Las Flores Canyon Road, and Southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

We strongly advise drivers to avoid these regions and monitor CHP-West Valley updates for the latest updates on road closures.

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To confine the fire, firefighters from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and CAL FIRE are putting in endless effort. To stop its spread and save lives, property, and infrastructure, both ground workers and air resources are being deployed.

Community members are volunteering to help with evacuation and firefighting efforts as the Palisades Fire spreads. Actor Steve Guttenberg from “Police Academy” is one of them.

Wearing a facemask, Guttenberg urged residents parking on Palisades Drive to leave their keys behind. “This is not a parking lot. We really need people to move their cars. If you leave your car behind, leave the key in there so a guy like me can move your car so that these fire trucks can get up there,” he explained.

The 66-year-old actor explained how his friends and other locals have found it challenging to leave due to traffic congestion on the street. He claimed that in order to help clear the path and relocate automobiles, he had been going up the slope.

Pointing out the urgency of the situation, he added, “There are families up there; there are pets up there. There are people who really need help.” He called for collective action during this time of need: “Don’t worry about your personal property. Just get out. Get your loved ones and get out.”

As the situation progresses, authorities continue to advise locals to heed evacuation instructions and keep themselves updated via official channels.