A fast-moving wildfire has erupted in the Pacific Palisades, an affluent hillside neighbourhood in Los Angeles, United States, prompting the evacuation of 30,000 residents in about 10,000 homes. The blaze is being driven by fierce Santa Ana winds, with gusts forecast to reach up to 161 kilometres per hour (kmph) in some areas, according to the US National Weather Service.
The Pacific Palisades area, known for its celebrity homes and stunning vistas between Santa Monica and Malibu, is now a scene of devastation. A towering cloud of smoke is visible from Venice Beach, more than six miles away. While no injuries have been reported, the fire department has received multiple reports of property damage. The fire grew to nearly 3,000 acres by 7.30 pm local time.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, mobilising resources to combat the flames and protect communities. “All hands are on deck to fight the #PalisadesFire,” Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter) . “California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters & first responders battling the blaze.”
The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon and initially covered just 10 acres. However, Kristin Crowley, Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, explained that winds exceeding 64 kmph caused the fire to expand rapidly, reported Sky News. Over 250 firefighters are currently on the ground, with additional support expected as conditions worsen.
“This is extreme fire weather,” Crowley said. “The fire is destructive and life-threatening, and our crews are doing everything they can to protect lives and property.”
Local officials and emergency services have emphasised the urgency of evacuation orders. Mayor Karen Bass assured residents that the city is working aggressively to provide resources and shelter to those displaced by the fire.
“To the thousands of families impacted by this horrific fire – the City of Los Angeles is providing resources and shelter,” she said in a statement. “Visit [notifyla.org](http://notifyla.org) for up-to-date information.”
The US National Weather Service has issued warnings of what could be the strongest Santa Ana wind event in more than a decade. Winds are expected to peak in the early hours of Wednesday, complicating firefighting efforts. Gusts of 129 kmph are predicted in urban areas, with mountainous regions and foothills facing speeds of up to 161 kmph.
Experts warn that these conditions could exacerbate the spread of the fire, already challenging due to Southern California’s dry vegetation. “We are expecting the worst overnight,” Crowley told Sky News. “Our teams are bracing for what’s ahead.”
Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass both expressed gratitude to the firefighters and first responders risking their lives to combat the flames on X. Temporary shelters have been set up for evacuees, and additional aid is being coordinated at the state and city levels.
The Pacific Palisades fire is one of many devastating wildfires to hit California in recent years. As residents await further updates, officials urge continued vigilance and cooperation with evacuation orders.