Pacific Palisades Brush Fire Grows to 1,260 Acres, Evacuating Thousands as Threat Intensifies

On Tuesday, a brush fire in the Pacific Palisades quickly expanded, devastating the area and prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents. The fire, which spread to 1,260 acres by 3 p.m., raised concerns of further growth due to strong winds. Authorities reported that winds in the area reached 40 mph when the wildfire ignited, causing it to rapidly grow and threatening the homes of approximately 30,000 people.

Evacuations and Impact

Emergency services intervened swiftly, issuing mandatory evacuation orders for homes in the vicinity and closing off the Pacific Coast Highway completely near Topanga Canyon Boulevard. With the evacuation orders in place, the Westwood Recreation Center was designated as an evacuation center and shelter for impacted residents and small animals.

The National Weather Service issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" red flag warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, indicating the severity of the fire threat. Forecasters predicted a "life-threatening" windstorm, the most potent to hit the region since 2011, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph in some areas. The warning remained in effect from noon on Tuesday until 4 p.m. on Wednesday for specific parts of LA, including Malibu.

Displacement and Relocation

The fire prompted the temporary relocation of several schools in the Pacific Palisades area, as Palisades Elementary School and Marquez Elementary School moved to Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet. Paul Revere Middle School was also relocated to University High School Charter, while Corpus Christi School evacuated its premises. The educational disruption highlighted the far-reaching impact of the wildfires on the local community.