Wildfire Forces 30,000 to Evacuate in Los Angeles

Fire officials had previously issued warnings of extreme fire risk due to powerful winds, following a prolonged dry spell. As the fire spread quickly, authorities expressed concerns that conditions would worsen overnight, potentially forcing even more evacuations. Flying embers ignited a palm tree at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, highlighting the fire’s ferocity.

Witnesses described harrowing scenes as homes burned, with flames dangerously close to vehicles as residents fled from the hills of Topanga Canyon. The fire continued its path toward the Pacific Ocean, consuming everything in its way. "We feel very fortunate that no injuries have been reported so far," Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during a press conference.

Firefighters battled the flames from the air, dropping water scooped from the ocean onto the advancing fire. Meanwhile, bulldozers cleared abandoned vehicles from roads to allow emergency crews to navigate the congested escape routes. With only one major road leading from the canyon to the coast and a single coastal highway offering refuge, traffic slowed to a crawl, prompting many to flee on foot.

One evacuee, identified only as Peter, recalled how he was forced to abandon his home when flaming debris blocked the road. "I realized there was nothing I could do," Peter said. "Whatever I lose, I lose."

Cindy Festa, another Pacific Palisades resident, described the close call as she evacuated the canyon. "The fire was right next to the cars," she said, holding her fingers close together. "Palm trees and everything are burning. People had to leave their cars behind on Palisades Drive."

Earlier in the day, the National Weather Service had issued its highest-level fire warning, forecasting wind gusts up to 80 mph (130 kph), with isolated gusts of up to 100 mph (160 kph) in the mountainous areas. The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and parched vegetation made the situation exceptionally dangerous.

"This is as severe as fire weather gets," the National Weather Service said in a statement on X.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the state had already deployed firefighting resources from Northern to Southern California by Saturday in anticipation of the extreme weather. Many personnel, trucks, and aircraft remained stationed across the region due to the ongoing risk of additional fires. "We’re preparing for the worst," Newsom added. "We’ve seen similar wind events spark multiple fires before."

The winds, known as Santa Ana winds, are typically more common in the fall but can strike Southern California at any time. The Pacific Palisades area is home to many high-profile residents, including actor James Woods, who shared on X that while he had safely evacuated, he was unsure whether his home had survived the fire.

At least 25,000 residents and 10,000 homes are in danger, with nearly 5% of Pacific Palisades' 23,431 acres (9,482 hectares) already consumed by the flames. Authorities continue to monitor the fire as it threatens more properties and lives.