Palisades fire: How Did The Fire Start?

The Palisades Fire began on the evening of January 7, under conditions that were highly conducive to rapid fire spread. The blaze ignited in the dry hills near the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, which is prone to wildfire activity due to its dense vegetation and rugged terrain.

Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been sparked by a combination of strong Santa Ana winds and an undisclosed ignition source. The winds, gusting up to 100 mph, quickly carried the flames across the landscape, making it nearly impossible for local firefighters to contain the spread early on.

While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities suspect it could be related to downed power lines, human activity, or even a natural cause, such as a lightning strike. The dry conditions from the winter drought further exacerbated the situation, creating the perfect environment for the fire to intensify rapidly. As the fire grew, it threatened homes, landmarks, and essential infrastructure, leading to the evacuation of over 30,000 residents in the area.

Emergency Shelters and Evacuation Routes

With the flames spreading rapidly, some drivers deserted their cars on Sunset near where the main LA highway meets the PCH. Some said firefighters instructed them to leave and escape on foot. Around 30 vehicles were left deserted, according to the LA Fire Department.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents fled their homes as firefighters kept fighting the Pacific Palisades fire.

Krishan Chaudry, a resident in the LA coastal area, said he could see flames raging from his backyard, which he said appeared suddenly. Thick, swirling plumes of black smoke were seen rising over the PCH as flames tore through ridgelines.

"This happened just out of nowhere," Chaudry said. "We were just looking at the smoke, and then all of a sudden, we saw fire everywhere."

The Westwood Recreation Center has opened as an evacuation facility and overnight shelter for evacuees and small pets, according to fire officials.

Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued for the areas near the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park, and as far south as Santa Monica.

More Information About the Fire

Hundreds of firefighters have been fighting the blaze on foot in the ridgelines of the Santa Monica Mountains where the fire initially broke out, as well as by plane, dropping water and flame retardant. In the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, thousands of people have rushed to escape the flames. According to LAist, video footage showed drivers on the Pacific Coast Highway abandoning their cars to the ocean, at the command of officers.

Additionally, a second major wind-driven fire was raging Tuesday night in Los Angeles County as intense Santa Ana winds howled across the region. The Eaton Fire had consumed 400 acres in Altadena, north of Pasadena — an area bordering the Angeles National Forest.

Evacuations have been mandated. "Strong winds were pushing rapid fire growth, presenting a serious threat to nearby communities and making containment efforts difficult," CalFire said. "Firefighters are working urgently to slow the spread and safeguard critical infrastructure under harsh conditions. The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has amplified the risk for spot fires and rapid growth."

Conditions were changing rapidly Tuesday night, as evacuation zones shift with the fire. Officials caution that the Santa Ana winds are only going to intensify on Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, reaching 100 mph or more. The National Weather Service warned of a "particularly perilous situation."

At the same time, about 40 miles inland, a second large wildfire ignited in the Eaton Canyon area above Altadena.

The fire rapidly expanded to cover more than 400 acres, threatening some buildings in the area and prompting evacuations for people living in both Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre.

At around 10 p.m., another fire called the Hurst Fire was reported in the San Fernando Valley. At the time, it was said to be about 100 acres, burning just north of the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center and prompting evacuations for those residing in the area.