The Palisades Fire Spreads, Forcing Evacuations and Concerns in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley

Fire Continues to Grow, Threatening Neighborhoods and Raising Fears of Worsening Conditions

The Palisades fire can now be seen across Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, an unsettling development as officials worry about the fire expanding into neighborhoods in Encino and Brentwood and possibly jumping the 405 freeway into Bel Air.

New Fire Growth and Evacuation Orders

A flare-up of the fire caused the Palisades fire, now at 21,596 acres, to move to the north and to the east on Friday, chewing through the Santa Monica Mountains. Crews in helicopters were working to fight the fire by dropping water over flames overnight, aided by relatively calm winds. The red flag fire weather warning for Los Angeles County ended earlier Friday.

Concerns and Evacuation Orders

The fire on Saturday morning was close to Brentwood’s Mandeville Canyon Road, where large, multimillion-dollar homes sit. Evacuation orders were in place for large swaths of Brentwood and Encino, including MountainGate Country Club and the Getty Center.

Getty Center Closes Due to Evacuation Order

The Getty Center in Brentwood, home to one of Los Angeles’ largest art collections, is complying with Friday evening’s evacuation order and is now closed, with only emergency staff on site, according to Ali Sivak, a spokeswoman for the J. Paul Getty Trust.

Crews Fighting the Fire

Crews in helicopters were working to fight the fire by dropping water over flames overnight, aided by relatively calm winds. The National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall said winds are fairly light at this point, with gusts of up to 30 mph by daybreak Saturday.

Fire Weather Conditions

Weather conditions were vastly improved from earlier this week, when severe winds – with gusts of up to 100 mph – helped fuel the catastrophic Palisades and Eaton fires to burn through Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Los Angeles County, with gusty Santa Ana winds expected to return by Saturday night and a wind advisory for at least some of the valleys in Los Angeles and Ventura counties by Sunday morning.

Response and Reaction

Josh Sautter, president of the Encino Neighborhood Council, said the new evacuation orders sent a shockwave of panic through the community. "People were completely freaked out," he said. Caltrans has closed offramps from the 405 Freeway near the fire, including at Getty Center Drive and Skirball Center Drive.

Concerns and Questions

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has declared a local health emergency due to the fires. The declaration prohibits the use of powered leaf blowers or other devices that could stir up ash and particulate matter into the air until further notice. Public health officials are advising residents to close windows and doors to keep indoor air clean and to wear an N95 or P100 mask if they must go outside for long periods.

FAQs

Q: What is the current size of the Palisades fire?
A: The Palisades fire is currently at 21,596 acres.

Q: Why are there evacuation orders in place?
A: Evacuation orders are in place due to the spreading of the fire and concerns about its potential impact on nearby neighborhoods.

Q: What is the current weather forecast?
A: Gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to return by Saturday night, with a high wind watch in place for Los Angeles County.

Q: What is the current air quality like?
A: The air quality is poor due to the smoke and particulate matter released by the fire.

Q: How can I stay safe during this time?
A: Follow evacuation orders, keep windows and doors closed, and wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outside for long periods.

Q: What is the current status of the Getty Center?
A: The Getty Center is closed due to the evacuation order, with only emergency staff on site.

Q: What is the current status of the fire’s containment?
A: The fire is currently not contained, with crews working to fight it with helicopters and ground teams.

Q: What is the current status of the investigation into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s handling of the fire?
A: An independent investigation has been ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom into the loss of water pressure and the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir.