The Los Angeles Fire Department has reported injuries as the fast-moving Palisades Fire spreads to almost 3,000 acres at 0 percent containment, leaving more than 30,000 residents evacuating their homes.
A 25-year-old female firefighter and “multiple burn victims” are among the injured, LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott said Wednesday morning. No fatalities have been confirmed.
Thousands more residents have been forced to flee LA and more than 300,000 energy customers left without power after several fires exploded across the county on Tuesday evening: the Eaton Fire, which has spread over 1,000 acres through Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre; and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar at 500 acres.
The LAFD is bracing for bruising Santa Ana winds of up to 60mph through Thursday, leaving those on the ground fearing it will fan the flames and increase the spread. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of more than 1,400 firefighting personnel in an attempt to extinguish blazes across LA. President Joe Biden has been briefed and said the county can leverage “any federal assistance.”
Several Hollywood stars have been forced to flee as the blaze impacts some of the most known neighborhoods in the area.
Key Points
- Some 80,000 residents are reported to have been evacuated from California wildfires
- 300,000 homes and businesses left without power
- At least 19 Los Angeles County school districts are totally or partially closed
- Wildfire smoke and windblown dust advisories are in place through Wednesday night
- ‘Worst yet to come’ as winds battler SoCal, expert predicts
Los Angeles officials host a press conference on the wildfires
16:05
Julia Musto
Vice president’s Los Angeles neighborhood was put under evacuation order
15:58
Julia Musto
Last night, the Vice President's neighborhood in Los Angeles was put under an evacuation order. No one was in her home at the time. She and the Second Gentleman are praying for the safety of their fellow Californians, the heroic first responders, and Secret Service personnel.
— Ernie Apreza (@ErnestoApreza46) January 8, 2025
My heart is hurting for our community as the devastating wildfires rage over Southern California. Thank you to the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect Californians. Please continue to listen to local officials and follow evacuation orders.
— Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) January 8, 2025
New fire burning in the San Fernando Valley
15:54
Julia Musto
A new fire was burning Wednesday in the Sepulveda basin open space in the San Fernando Valley, according to CalFire.
Officials said the Woodley fire was at 75 acres.
Dramatic images show impact of California wildfires
15:51
Julia Musto
Dramatic photos show devastation caused by Southern California wildfires in just hours
15:45
Julia Musto
Here's all celebs in Palisades piece updated here: ‘Nightmare came true’: Stars flee Pacific Palisades blaze as flames engulf celebrity enclave
15:35
Julia Musto
Some 80,000 residents are reported to have been evacuated from California wildfires
15:35
Julia Musto
Some 80,000 residents are reported to have been evacuated, according to NBC News.
Some 30,000 of those were in the Pacific Palisades community.
Los Angeles fire hydrants have ‘no water'
15:29
Julia Musto
“There’s no water in the fire hydrants,” L.A. developer Rick Caruso, who owns Palisades Village told The Los Angeles Times. “The firefighters are there [in the neighborhood], and there’s nothing they can do — we’ve got neighborhoods burning, homes burning, and businesses burning. ... It should never happen.”
Universal Studios Hollywood closes
15:26
Julia Musto
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) January 8, 2025
Live: California firefighters face Palisades Fire as blaze destroys homes
15:23
Julia Musto
Los Angeles County resources are ‘being tested,’ official says
15:16
Julia Musto
Lisa Derderian, Pasadena’s public information officer, told NBC Los Angeles that the county is “getting a lot more resources in today and overnight.”
“Because it’s happening throughout the entire county, resources are being tested,” Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County supervisor, said.
A Los Angeles Fire Department press conference is planned for 8 a.m. PT
15:09
Julia Musto
#mediaalert #LAFD A press conference is planned for 8AM tomorrow at Zuma Beach for #PalisadesFire
— LAFD (@LAFD) January 8, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Reddick’s family evacuated due to the Palisades wildfire
15:07
Julia Musto
“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming (Tuesday night), I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that,” Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game in Texas yesterday, according to The Associated Press.
“Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe,” he said.
Photos show massive flames from wildfires burning in Pasadena, Pacific Palisades
15:05
Julia Musto
Harris releases statement on California wildfires
14:52
Julia Musto
I am thinking of those impacted by the wildfires in Southern California and praying for the first responders who are taking heroic action to help keep communities safe.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 8, 2025
Please listen to local officials, evacuate immediately if you are told to do so, and take care of each other. pic.twitter.com/OSt5BXDXcl
Eaton Fire has more than doubled in size
14:50
Julia Musto
#EatonFire. Fire has grown to 2227 acres, 0% containment with over 700 firefighters assigned.
— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 8, 2025
The fire continues to dangerously burn both east and west with spot fires within the communities of Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. @LACoFDPIO @CVLASD @LASDHQ…
Highest wind gusts recorded between Eaton and Hurst Fires this week reached hurricane strength
14:48
Julia Musto
Winds gusts past 2 days: https://t.co/te8O8tAR8T
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 8, 2025
Some highest gusts:
Mt Lukens Truck Trail (SCE) 100 MPH
Magic Mtn Truck Trl (SCE) 90 MPH
Saddle Peak 98 MPH
Hollywood-Burbank Airport 84 MPH
Eaton Cyn (SCE) 70 MPH
Firefighters from across the state are deployed to respond to California wildfires
14:46
Julia Musto
On January 8, 2025, Alameda County Firefighters are joining county area fire agency partners, including Oakland Fire (OFD), Hayward Fire (HFD), and Fremont Fire (FFD) as part of a @Cal_OES Strike Team headed to Southern California. #ALCOFIRE#ALCOFirefighters#Palisadesfire pic.twitter.com/1dUuojVmrD
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) January 8, 2025
Local Crews Deployed:
— Sacramento Fire Department (@SacFirePIO) January 8, 2025
Tonight, a @Cal_OES Strike Team consisting of members from @CosumnesFire, @metrofirepio and Sacramento Fire were deployed to the Palisades Fire. This team consists of 22 members that will drive through the night to provide assistance battling this fire. pic.twitter.com/1IHSx4Fg98
Oakland Firefighters are joining county area fire agency partners (including @AlamedaCoFire / @HaywardFireNews / @FremontFire) as part of a @Cal_OES Strike Team headed to Southern California tonight. May they travel safely. #Palisades #PalisadeFire https://t.co/t5UYslEirz
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) January 8, 2025
Pacific Palisades resident thought it was ‘raining' before she made this scary realization
14:44
Julia Musto
Sheriece Wallace, a resident of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, told The Associated Press she had been unaware that there was a fire burning around her until her sister called at the moment a helicopter made a water drop over her house.
“I was like, ‘it’s raining,’” she said. “She’s like, ‘No, it’s not raining. Your neighborhood is on fire. You need to get out.’”
“As soon as I opened my door, it was like right there,” Wallace said. “The first thing I did was looked at the trees to see where the wind was blowing. Because it hit me. It blew me back.” She was able to leave.
Los Angeles Fire Department warns about evacuation shelter info ‘being disseminated'
14:40
Julia Musto
#mediaalert Despite contrary information being disseminated, the ONLY Evacuation shelters (operated by the City of LA) are: Westwood Recreation Center for #PalisadesFire and Ritchie Valens Recreation Center for #HurstFire @LACityParks #LAFD
— LAFD (@LAFD) January 8, 2025
City of Malibu warns about stoplights malfunctioning during the Palisades Fire
14:38
Julia Musto
UPDATE - 1/8/25 @ 6:00 AM - Be prepared to take alternative routes to avoid road closures and come to a complete stop when lights are flashing red or malfunctioning during the Palisades Fire.
— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) January 8, 2025
Stay Safe, Malibu. For traffic updates and road closures: https://t.co/8Ey2YYCL16 pic.twitter.com/Ex5lvtyENO
At least 19 Los Angeles County school districts are totally or partially closed
14:37
Julia Musto
At least 19 school districts across Los Angeles County have announced full or partial closures, LAist reported, citing to the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
Pepperdine University said its Malibu, Calabasas campuses are closed
14:34
Julia Musto
“The University continues to monitor the Palisades Fire, which is approximately 3.5 miles east of the Malibu campus. The fire has grown to more than 2,900 acres, but continues to pose no immediate threat to the campus,” Pepperdine University said in a statement on Wednesday. “The EOC is also monitoring additional fires impacting the greater Pepperdine community.”
The school said the campus closures were related to firefighting efforts and associated road closures.
New evacuation orders issued in La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Montrose communities
14:31
Julia Musto
order will be issued. All of La Cañada Flintridge is under an evacuation order. If you are in the City of La Cañada Flintridge, please immediately evacuate. Stay informed through official channels such as Genasys Protect at https://t.co/WzjL0OBFNj Stay safe and alert! #lasd
— LASD CrescentaValley (@CVLASD) January 8, 2025
**UPDATE Evacuation Order Issued for All of La Cañada Flintridge**
— LASD CrescentaValley (@CVLASD) January 8, 2025
An evacuation order has been issued for all of La Cañada Flintridge due to severe wind conditions and ongoing fire in the area. Residents in affected zones should evacuate immediately. pic.twitter.com/BwUziIKXN7
Steve Guttenberg aids fire crews battling Los Angeles blazes
14:30
Julia Musto
Wildfire smoke and windblown dust advisories are in place through Wednesday night
14:28
Julia Musto
Wildfire smoke and windblown dust advisories are in place in southern California through Wednesday night.
Maps from the South Coast Air Quality Management District show the affected areas.
‘Things are only things’: Hollywood stars react to California wildfires
14:27
Julia Musto
Pasadena resident since 1989 says fires are ‘the worst [she’s] ever seen’
14:24
Julia Musto
“This is my fourth fire and the only time we’ve ever left,” she said, speaking by phone from a hotel in Studio City. The fires this time are “the worst I’ve ever seen,” Muffie Alejandro, 74, told The New York Times.
She has lived near Eaton Canyon by the Angeles National Forest since 1989.
In photos: Palisades fire turns homes to ash
14:23
James Liddell
San Diego is bracing for another particularly dangerous situation
14:19
Julia Musto
While San Diego’s Apple Fire was put out on Tuesday, forecasters have warned residents about a “particularly dangerous situation” in the area on Wednesday through midday.
“Very strong gusts and low relative humidity will allow any fires that develop to spread VERY rapidly! Wind damage including downed trees expected in some spots!” forecasters warned.
Wind gusts were already reported at over 70 miles per hour on Tuesday.
A Particularly Dangerous Situation is expected for the highlighted portion of our area from 7AM - 1PM on Wednesday. Very strong gusts and low relative humidity will allow any fires that develop to spread VERY rapidly! Wind damage including downed trees expected in some spots! pic.twitter.com/cL0Ct4ZeR5
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 7, 2025
The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montague’s home engulfed in Pacific Palisades fire
14:12
Julia Musto
‘By the time you realize it, you’re stuck’: Fire captain urges those blaze’s path to leave now
14:10
James Liddell
Fire Captain Robert Foxworthy urged locals in the path the brush fires racing through Los Angeles County to heed his warning and “leave as soon as possible”.
Speaking on NBC’s Today show, Foxworthy noted that the fire is “incredibly” fast-moving and unpredictable.
“Get in your vehicle and leave the area as soon as possible,” he said on Wednesday morning. “By the time you realize it, you’re stuck – especially the way this fire is burning, throwing embers out ahead. It can actually throw spot fires and start fires on the other side of you, and you can be surrounded by fire.”
Nearly 350,000 California customers are without power
14:09
Julia Musto
Nearly 350,000 California customers were left without power Wednesday morning, according to outage tracker PowerOutage.US.
The majority of those customers were located in Southern California, with more than 223,000 in fire-laden Los Angeles County.
SAG Awards cancel live nomination announcement
13:57
James Liddell
31st Screen Actors Guild Awards® Nominations Announcement Update pic.twitter.com/v7dvzIQtc0
— SAG Awards® (@SAGawards) January 8, 2025
‘Worst yet to come’ as winds battler SoCal, expert predicts
13:41
James Liddell
A California climate scientist predicted that the worst is “yet to come” after three fires ripped through southern California on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning – with bruising winds fanning the flames.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone predicted that the adverse weather conditions could hamper the use of aircraft in an attempt to put out the blaze in news conference at about 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
In a briefing at around the same time, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain noted that the weather was about to get worse before it gets better.
“This event is not only not over, but it is just getting started and will get significantly worse before it gets better,” Swain said on Tuesday afternoon.
The use of aircraft was halted shortly before 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The National Weather Services predicted that isolated winds could top out at about 100mph on Wednesday morning.
Just in: Tyler Fire erupts, marking fourth wildfire in 24 hours
13:31
James Liddell
A fourth wildfire has broken out at Tyler Street and 47th Avenue in Coachella, Cal Fire says.
The blaze has spread across 15 acres and is currently 0 percent contained according to an incident update from Cal Fire’s Riverside Unit at 5:04 a.m. local time.
In photos: Elderly patients evacuated as firefighters race to extinguish flames
13:29
James Liddell
Is it safe to travel to California and is LAX closed?
13:15
James Liddell
A wind-driven wildfire has spread across California, leading authorities to order the evacuation of at least 30,000 people as the rapidly growing blaze burns across 3,000 acres.
Pacific Palisades is a residential community and attracts very few tourists, however, the area it sits in, Los Angeles County, is popular with visitors who are heading to the sandy shores of Venice Beach, exploring Hollywood and touring round studios and museums among many other attractions.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) sits relatively close to the Palisades fires, but so far minimal travel disruption has occurred. Meanwhile, several roads including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway have been closed as of early Wednesday morning.
LAX is around 19 miles south of Pacific Palisades, but the majority of arrivals and departures have continued as normal amid the wildfires.
Amelia Neath has the full details.
Watch live: View of Palisades wildfires from Burbank as tens of thousands of residents evacuated
13:00
James Liddell
LA mayor thanks firefighter’s who bravely battled the three brush fires through the night
12:48
James Liddell
Hundreds of @LAFD firefighters have been fighting fires through the night.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 8, 2025
Thank you to all the crews working tirelessly to respond and protect life and property.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill evacuates home in the nick of time
12:41
James Liddell
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, revealed the nail-biting moment he was forced to evacuate his Malibu, Los Angeles, home.
Posting a “personal fire update” on his Instagram late on Tuesday, the actor detailed the moment he left his home and fled to the Hollywood hills.
“Evacuated Malibu so last-minute that there were small fires on both sides of the road,” he said.
Hamill called it the “most horrific fire since ‘93,” referencing the southern California fires between October and November almost three decades ago that, in total, scorched 175,000 acres, destroyed 700 homes and took three lives.
Hollywood stars react as California wildfires engulf neighbourhoods
12:28
James Liddell
Hollywood stars have asked for “prayers and strength” as they react to the fast-moving wildfires in Los Angeles.
A state of emergency has been declared and multiple events have been cancelled due to the blaze spreading across the Pacific Palisades.
The wildfire has expanded in a matter of hours to cover more than 2,900 acres, engulfing neighbourhoods that are home to a number of celebrities and forcing 30,000 people to evacuate.
Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt issued a passionate plea for people “to come together to support one another” in a post on Instagram.
Maira Butt has the story.
Steve Kerr and JJ Redick reveal families forced to evacuate
12:15
James Liddell
Golden State Warriors head coach c and LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that their families were forced to flee their Los Angeles homes.
After sending his thoughts and condolences to those impacted by the raging wildfires across LA county, Kerr revealed that his mother evacuated her home in Pacific Palisades.
“My mom lives in Pacific Palisades. She had to evacuate,” he told reporters after his team’s 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat.
Meanwhile, Redick said that his family are “freaking out” after having to leave their homes.
“It’s where I live, my family and my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated,” Redick told reporters on Tuesday. “I know that a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family.”
Dramatic photos shows Altadena home engulfed by flames
12:04
James Liddell
All the LA county school districts that announced closures for Wednesday
11:51
James Liddell
At least 19 county school districts have announced plans to close either some or all schools across Los Angeles county as wildfires rage across the region.
The Los Angeles Office of Education released a list of closures late on Tuesday evening.
Alhambra Unified School District, Arcadia Unified School District, Azusa Unified School District, Baldwin Park Unified School District, Duarte Unified School District, El Monte City School District, Glendale unified School District, La Canada Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Vírgenes School District, Monrovia Unified School District, Mountain View School District, Pasadena, Unified School District, Rosemead School District, San Marino Unified School District, Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, South Pasadena Unified School District, Temple City, Unified School District and the Valle Lindo School District.
Emergency shelters open doors to desperate Angelenos
11:38
James Liddell
Emergency shelters are open for Angelenos who have been evacuated due to these devastating fires.#PalisadesFire Shelter:
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 8, 2025
Westwood Recreation Center - 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd#HurstFire Shelter:
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center - 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd
LA firefighters face their next battle: water shortages
11:24
James Liddell
While firefighters attempt to extinguish the flames as the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires ravage Los Angeles, water supplies are apprently dwindling, a report says.
“The hydrants are down,” said one firefighter in Pacific Palisades across their internal radio systems, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Water supply just dropped,” another added.
Rick Caruso, an LA developer who owns retail center Palisades Village in the Westside neighborhood, said he was receiving similar reports from staff.
“There’s no water in the fire hydrants,” Caruso told The Times. “The firefighters are there [in the neighborhood], and there’s nothing they can do — we’ve got neighborhoods burning, homes burning, and businesses burning. ... It should never happen.”
Watch: Abandoned cars bulldozed off road as drivers flee raging Pacific Palisades wildfires
11:10
James Liddell
‘Extremely dangerous’ 100mph winds forecast in southern California
10:56
James Liddell
The National Weather Service has declared an “extremely dangerous situation” as parts of southern California brace for 100mph winds through Wednesday.
Los Angeles and Ventura counties will likely see widespread gusts of up to 80mph and, in mountainous areas, isolated winds of up to 100mph, the agency said on Wednesday morning.
“Downed trees and power outages,” are expected, the NWS said in its latest update.
In pictures: Emergency crews battle smoke and flame as LA fires rage
10:43
James Liddell
FEMA provids grants to combat Palisades, Hurst and Easton fires
10:34
James Liddell
NEW: California secured Fire Management Assistance Grants from @FEMA to help further ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the #HurstFire, #EatonFire, & #PalisadesFire.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 8, 2025
Firefighters are working through the night to save lives & battle these aggressive fires.
Hurst Fire in Sylmar grows to 500 acres
10:21
James Liddell
The Hurst Fire, which is raging through Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley, has grown to 500 acres and is at 0 percent containment, according to the latest incident update by Cal Fire.
According to the latest estimates from the USDA Forest Service, the Eaton Fire, impacting Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre, has grown to 1,000 acres at 0 percent containment.
Hundreds more firefighters join 1,400 emergency personnel already on the ground, Newsom says
09:56
James Liddell
Mutual aid is pouring in from across the state to battle the #PalisadesFire, #EatonFire & #HurstFire.
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 8, 2025
Hundreds of additional firefighters are headed south to join 1,400+ boots already on the ground.
Thank you to our first responders quickly jumping into these firefights.
Video: Abandoned cars bulldozed out of the road after drivers flee to safety
08:03
Namita Singh
