Palisades Fire in Los Angeles Scorches 2,921 Acres, Destroys Homes

The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles County, has grown rapidly. It has burned over 2,921 acres and forced more than 30,000 people to leave their homes.

How It Started

The fire was first noticed around 10:30 a.m. in the mountains near Pacific Palisades. Strong Santa Ana winds, which can blow at over 80 mph, helped the fire spread quickly. Within hours, the fire grew from 200 to over 1,200 acres, putting about 13,000 buildings, including homes and landmarks like the Getty Villa, at risk.

Firefighters on the Scene

More than 250 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), along with help from other agencies, are working to put out the fire. They are using helicopters to drop water and bulldozers to clear paths. So far, no one has been hurt or killed, but the fire continues to threaten the area.

Evacuations and Traffic

Because the fire spread so fast, people in the area had to leave immediately. The smoke and flames caused traffic jams, and some people even left their cars to escape on foot. Firefighters had to use bulldozers to move about 30 cars that were blocking the roads.

Famous Faces Among Evacuees

Some well-known people had to leave their homes too. The Getty Villa, which has many important art pieces, was also in danger. However, special systems were put in place to protect the art collections.

State of Emergency

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to bring more help to fight the fire and support the people who had to leave their homes. Weather experts warn that the strong winds could continue, making it harder to control the fire.

Helping Each Other

Shelters have been set up for people who had to leave their homes. Many community members and organizations are helping by giving food, clothes, and other support. It’s important for everyone to stay updated through official news channels and follow safety instructions.

What’s Next?

The Palisades Fire is a reminder of how dangerous wildfires can be, especially with strong winds. Thanks to the quick response from firefighters and the community, many people have been kept safe. The focus now is on stopping the fire and helping people recover.