Palisades Fire: Critical Update and Ongoing Response

Strong winds continue to challenge firefighting efforts in the Pacific Palisades area, with northeast gusts reaching up to 60 MPH through Thursday. A High Wind Warning remains in effect, with sustained winds between 25 to 35 MPH and gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, causing potential power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Additionally, a Red Flag Warning has been issued through Friday due to the combination of strong winds and critically low humidity levels, creating ideal conditions for rapid fire spread and extreme behavior. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and report any new fire activity immediately.

The Palisades Fire continues to exhibit extreme behavior, including short and long-range spotting, driven by wind gusts up to 60 MPH. Unified Command, consisting of CAL FIRE San Bernardino-Inyo-Mono Unit, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department, and Los Angeles Police Department, is actively coordinating the response.

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 has been deployed, with federal assistance secured to support firefighting efforts.

Date Started: January 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM
Last Updated: January 8, 2025, at 5:07 PM

Cause: Under investigation
Location: Southeast of Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades ([34.07022, -118.54453])

Evacuations (See Map Below)

Evacuation Orders:
Residents in the following zones are under a mandatory evacuation order due to immediate threats to life:
DRY-U026-A, LOS-Q0767, MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, MAL-C112-B, MTN-U028, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B, RMB-U030-D, RRC-U027, SAN-Q1395-B, SAN-Q1396-B, SDP-U029, SSM-U010-A, SSM-U010-B, TOP-U001 through TOP-U009.

Evacuation Warnings:
Advisory evacuation warnings have been issued for zones with a potential threat to life and property, including:
CAL-C405 through CAL-C415, DRY-U026, DRY-U026-B, MAL-C112, MAL-C112-A, MCR-U021-A, RMB-U030-C, SAN-Q1395-A, SAN-Q1396-A, SAN-Q1388-C.

Evacuation Shelters
Residents seeking shelter can find assistance at the following locations:

Westwood Recreation Center
1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025
El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Animal Evacuation Shelters:

Small Animals:
El Camino High School, Agoura Animal Care Center, Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, Carson Animal Care Center, Castaic Animal Care Center, Downey Animal Care Center, Lancaster Animal Care Center, Palmdale Animal Care Center.
Large Animals:
Pomona Fairplex, Industry Hills Expo, LA Equestrian Center, Castaic Animal Care Center.
Road Closures
Significant road closures are impacting access:

Southbound closures: Pacific Coast Highway at Malibu Canyon, Piuma Road at Woodbluff Road, Malibu Canyon at Piuma Road, Stunt Road at Mulholland Drive, Topanga Canyon Road at Mulholland Drive.
City of Santa Monica closures: Ocean Avenue, 7th Street, 26th Street (northbound), and I-10 westbound at Lincoln Boulevard.
For updates, follow CHP-West Valley.

Firefighting and Federal Assistance
Firefighting efforts continue with ground crews and air resources protecting community infrastructure and working toward containment. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team II leads operations with support from federal resources.

Situation Summary:

Extreme fire behavior and high winds are complicating suppression efforts.
Residents are advised to follow evacuation orders and warnings closely.
Federal support includes the activation of an FMAG to bolster resources.
Public Information
Palisades Fire Public Information Line: (213) 484-5604
Media Line: (323) 379-3841
Additional Resources:

Incident maps, photos, and videos are available via the CAL FIRE and Palisades Fire Flicker pages.
Press conferences and operational briefings are ongoing to keep the public informed.

Weather Forecast for Pacific Palisades