Pacific Palisades Brush Fire: 200 Acres Burned, Mandatory Evacuations Ordered Amid Santa Ana Winds

Pacific Palisades Brush Fire: 200 Acres Burned, Mandatory Evacuations Ordered Amid Santa Ana Winds

A rapidly spreading brush fire erupted Tuesday morning in Pacific Palisades, consuming 200 acres as strong Santa Ana winds swept through the region. Reported shortly before 10:30 a.m. near North Piedra Morada Drive, the fire sent a massive plume of smoke into the sky and quickly threatened nearby homes. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded with helicopters, Super Scoopers, and ground crews to contain the blaze.

Evacuations were ordered for residents between Piedra Morada Drive and Pacific Coast Highway, including the Getty Villa and the southern end of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. An evacuation warning was also issued for areas immediately to the west. An emergency shelter was set up at the Westwood Recreation Center, where displaced residents were urged to take refuge. Officials emphasized the importance of evacuating quickly, warning residents to pack essentials, gather pets, and leave the area immediately.

The fire’s rapid spread was fueled by strong northeast winds, prompting concerns from local institutions like Pepperdine University. In a statement, the university noted the fire was visible from its Malibu campus but posed no immediate threat. However, officials warned the fire could continue spreading toward the Pacific Ocean as the winds intensified.

Actor James Woods posted dramatic footage on social media, showing flames dangerously close to hillside homes. He and other residents shared their evacuation efforts as firefighting aircraft dropped water over the area. While no injuries or structural damage were confirmed as of late morning, officials cautioned that conditions remained volatile.

Mayor Karen Bass praised the LAFD’s proactive efforts, noting that strike teams had been pre-positioned in wildfire-prone areas in preparation for high winds. Firefighters, supported by regional partners, worked aggressively to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities focus on ensuring public safety amid challenging weather conditions.

The fire coincides with one of the strongest Santa Ana windstorms in over a decade, with gusts forecasted to peak at 80 mph and isolated areas potentially reaching 100 mph. These extreme conditions also prompted President Joe Biden to cancel a planned trip to Riverside County’s Coachella Valley, opting to deliver remarks in Los Angeles instead. The combination of high winds and dry conditions has heightened fire risk across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, leaving residents and officials on edge.