Downtown Palisades Gone!

PACIFIC PALISADES (CNS) – A massive brush fire burned over 11,800 acres in Pacific Palisades by Wednesday, destroying or damaging more than 1,000 structures and forcing thousands to evacuate as it spread toward Malibu and Santa Monica. Containment remained at 0%, fueled by intense Santa Ana winds.

The fire began around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday near Piedra Morada and Monte Hermoso drives. It grew exponentially, driven by heavy fuel and winds, with evacuation orders covering Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Santa Monica. Approximately 30,000 residents were evacuated, and 13,200 structures remained threatened.

Evacuation centers were established at Westwood Recreation Center, Pasadena Convention Center, and El Camino Real Charter High School. Evacuation routes, including Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), became congested, prompting some to abandon vehicles and flee on foot. Large animals were taken to Pierce College and Los Angeles Equestrian Center, while small animals were accommodated at shelters in Agoura Hills and Pasadena.

LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley reported a high number of injuries among residents and firefighters. A 25-year-old firefighter suffered a serious head injury, and multiple civilians were treated for burns near Duke's restaurant on PCH.

Iconic landmarks such as Theatre Palisades and eateries like the Reel Inn were destroyed. The Getty Villa sustained vegetation damage but remained intact due to extensive fire mitigation measures.

The fire expanded toward Malibu, jumping Tuna Canyon Road and reaching the coastline. Multiple structures burned, including Palisades Charter High School and residential areas. Firefighting aircraft resumed operations when possible, though strong winds grounded many efforts.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom secured federal assistance through FEMA, with President Joe Biden offering immediate support while visiting the region. The Los Angeles Police Department issued a citywide tactical alert, and the Los Angeles Unified School District closed several schools due to hazardous air quality.

Residents were urged to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and use N95 masks if venturing outside. The South Coast AQMD issued a smoke advisory, warning of dangerously unhealthy air.

Authorities stressed life safety over structure protection, as flames destroyed large portions of Pacific Palisades.

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