Pacific Palisades wildfire, 2 others burning across Los Angeles
The Pacific Palisades wildfire and two others burning across Los Angeles, driven by powerful winds, have expanded, forcing residents to evacuate, destroying homes and other buildings and clogging roads in the region.
The Palisades fire, which started as a brush fire on Tuesday has expanded, growing to almost 3,000 acres with zero containment, according to Cal Fire.
It started at around 10:30 a.m. local time Tuesday, expanding to a minimum of 2,900 acres, forcing evacuation orders.
“Extreme fire behavior, including short and long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire,” Cal Fire said. “Winds gusts up to 60 MPH are expected to continue through Thursday, potentially aiding in further fire activity and suppression efforts.”
The second fire, the Eaton Fire, also started on Tuesday near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in Pasadena, causing evacuation orders. Cal Fire said all schools within the Pasadena Unified School District will be closed on Wednesday.
Firefighters are working to contain the fire, which has spread with high winds. The potential for spot fires has grown with dry fuels, shifting winds and low humidity.
Hurst Fire, the third fire, started burning Tuesday night, spreading rapidly with high winds and burning at least 500 acres.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has declared a state of emergency.
“This is a highly dangerous windstorm that’s creating extreme fire risk – and we’re not out of the woods. We’re already seeing the destructive impacts with this fire in Pacific Palisades that grew rapidly in a matter of minutes,” Newsom said in a statement on Tuesday.
The causes of all three wildfires are under investigation, according to authorities.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned Wednesday about “extreme fire conditions” lasting through Thursday with wind gusts going between 50 and 80 mph, causing power outages and downing trees.
Vice President Harris, who grew up in California, said she was briefed on the wildfires and that federal resources were mobilized to assist in fighting them.
“My heart goes out to all those being impacted by the devastating wildfires in Southern California. Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way,” Harris said in a Wednesday morning statement.
Updated at 7:55 a.m. EST