Pacific Palisades Fire Rages: Thousands Evacuate as Homes and Land Are Lost

A massive wildfire swept through Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, burning nearly 3,000 acres, destroying homes, and forcing thousands of residents to flee. The fire, fueled by dangerous dry winds, has created chaotic and life-threatening conditions in the Los Angeles area.

Thousands Flee as Flames Advance

The fire started around 10:30 a.m. near Piedra Morada Drive and quickly spread, pushed by intense wind gusts. By the afternoon, flames had engulfed parts of Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu, leaving a trail of destruction. Evacuation orders were issued to nearly 30,000 residents across 10,000 homes, leading to frantic scenes of traffic jams and heavy smoke as people tried to escape.

One of the hardest-hit areas was near Palisades Drive, where the fire jumped roads, trapping some residents and forcing others to abandon their cars. Ellen Delosh-Bacher, a local resident, described her terrifying escape. “I was trying to get my 95-year-old mother, her caregiver, and our dogs out,” she said. “But the fire exploded along the road, and officers started shouting, ‘Run for your lives!’”

Delosh-Bacher had to leave her car behind, keys in the ignition, and run half a mile to safety at the beach. Scenes like hers were repeated throughout the day as firefighters reported over 100 abandoned vehicles blocking roads, complicating rescue efforts.

A Community in Crisis

Pacific Palisades residents described the fire as an “inferno,” with homes, schools, and landmarks in its path. By 6:30 p.m., the blaze had burned 2,900 acres and was still spreading southwest. Flames reached the grounds of the Getty Villa and the campus of Palisades Charter High School, adding to the devastation.

Firefighters faced significant challenges battling the fast-moving fire, as strong winds fueled the flames and created unpredictable conditions. Officials warned that the windstorm, described as “life-threatening and destructive,” could worsen overnight, making it harder to control the fire.

Despite the destruction, no injuries had been reported by late Tuesday, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. However, firefighters responded to more than six calls from people trapped in buildings throughout the day.

State of Emergency Declared

California Governor Gavin Newsom visited Pacific Palisades to meet with first responders and assess the damage. Calling the wildfire a “hell of a way to start a new year,” he urged residents to follow evacuation orders and prioritize their safety.

Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency for the area and announced that California had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover firefighting costs. The grant will allow the state to receive federal reimbursement as firefighters continue to battle the flames.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but officials are focusing on how the dry offshore winds contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. These winds, combined with the dry conditions typical of Southern California, created a perfect storm for the wildfire’s explosive growth.

Chaos and Heartbreak

The scene across Pacific Palisades and nearby neighborhoods was one of chaos and heartbreak. Smoke filled the skies, and hillsides glowed orange as the fire consumed homes and threatened entire communities.

Some residents, unable to escape, were forced to shelter in place, while others abandoned their stalled cars on jammed roads and ran for safety. Firefighters worked tirelessly to protect structures and rescue those trapped, even as the fire continued to advance.

For many, the emotional toll was overwhelming. Lori Libonati, a resident of Pacific Palisades, described the fire as “like an inferno.” She watched helplessly as it spread Tuesday morning before evacuating her home.

What’s Next?

As winds are expected to intensify overnight, firefighters are preparing for a long and difficult battle to contain the blaze. Residents who were forced to evacuate face uncertainty about the fate of their homes and belongings.

For now, officials are urging everyone in the area to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety. With such unpredictable conditions, it’s critical for residents to heed evacuation orders and stay away from the fire zone.

The Pacific Palisades fire is a sobering reminder of the growing threat of wildfires in California, particularly during the dry and windy months. As the state continues to grapple with these challenges, communities must come together to support one another and rebuild after such devastating events.

In the words of Governor Newsom, “We’ll get through this together, but right now, the focus is on safety.”