Pacific Palisades Wildfires in Los Angeles Force Tens of Thousands to Evacuate Amid Rapid Spread

The Pacific Palisades wildfire, tearing through one of Los Angeles’ most affluent neighborhoods, continued its relentless growth on Tuesday night, engulfing nearly 3,000 acres. Meanwhile, another wildfire in the San Gabriel Mountains above Pasadena expanded to over 1,000 acres, triggering widespread evacuations for tens of thousands of residents. Officials have warned that worsening conditions, fueled by fast-moving winds, could further escalate the crisis on Wednesday.

The Palisades Fire ignited around 11 a.m. on Tuesday and has scorched more than 2,900 acres as of early Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Evacuation orders were issued for residents in the Palisades and along sections of the Pacific Coast Highway. As of 12:40 a.m. PST Wednesday, Cal Fire reported 0% containment of the blaze, leaving approximately 30,000 residents displaced.

Los Angeles officials declared a state of emergency as the fire exploded from a mere 10 acres to nearly 3,000 acres within hours. Governor Gavin Newsom underscored the severity of California’s wildfire crisis, remarking, “There’s no fire season anymore—it’s a fire year,” with devastating blazes becoming a near-constant threat.

Approximately 40 miles inland, a second wildfire erupted in the Eaton Canyon area above Altadena. This rapidly growing blaze has already consumed more than 400 acres, threatening nearby structures and prompting evacuations in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. Emergency responders are battling the flames on multiple fronts as the state braces for an increasingly volatile fire situation.

Amid the ongoing crisis, President Joe Biden, presently in Los Angeles, has committed federal resources to aid in combating the wildfires. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings, signaling that the severe weather conditions are likely to continue, potentially escalating the intensity of the fires.

Authorities are urging residents to follow evacuation directives and stay alert as emergency teams work relentlessly to control the flames and safeguard affected communities.