Palisades Fire rages in LA as winds intensify across Southern California

A powerful windstorm has intensified wildfires in the Los Angeles area, including the rapidly growing Palisades Fire, as millions across Southern California remain under red flag warnings.

Palisades Fire Grows to 300 Acres

As of this afternoon, the Palisades Fire has scorched 300 acres, with its cause still under investigation. The city of Los Angeles has issued mandatory evacuation orders for the affected area to protect residents from the advancing flames.

Dry Conditions and Strong Winds Worsen Fire Threat

The fire’s rapid growth is fueled by dangerously dry conditions combined with powerful winds that are expected to intensify overnight. Forecasters warn that these winds could further escalate the already extreme fire risk, making containment efforts increasingly challenging.

Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay alert to updates as fire crews battle the blaze under volatile conditions. Emmy-winning actor James Woods posted a video on social platform X showing flames dangerously close to his home in Pacific Palisades, California.

Winds Expected to Intensify Overnight

The National Weather Service has recorded wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph today and warns that gusts could reach 100 mph overnight in some areas. Rich Thompson, a meteorologist based in Oxnard, noted, “It looks like the winds will increase a little in strength later today and tonight.”

Santa Ana winds, known for driving winter wildfires in California, bring hot, dry air to coastal areas, lowering humidity and rapidly spreading fires across the dry landscape.

Evacuations Ordered as Palisades Fire Grows

The Palisades Fire has now burned 300 acres, with structures, mostly homes, “under immediate threat,” according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for areas from Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to Pacific Coast Highway. An evacuation center is set up at the Westwood Recreation Center in West L.A.

The fire is threatening several canyon communities, including Rustic Canyon and Topanga Canyon.

Gov. Newsom Mobilizes Resources

California Governor Gavin Newsom has preemptively deployed state resources to combat the fire. The efforts include 65 fire engines, seven water tenders, seven helicopters, and 109 specialized workers. Newsom urged Californians to remain vigilant: “Pay attention to local authorities and be prepared to evacuate if told to go.”

Red Flag Warnings Cover Millions

Nearly 19 million people in Southern California are under red flag warnings, signaling extreme fire danger due to winds exceeding 20 mph and relative humidity below 25%. The warnings cover Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, and Inland Empire regions, with particularly high risks in mountainous areas where dry winds can exacerbate fire spread.

The National Weather Service cautioned, “Any new fire ignition in these areas will likely have very dangerous wildfire spread and behavior with great difficulty in containment that could impact life and property.”

As flames continue to threaten Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas, residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay informed about changing conditions.