A rapidly spreading brush fire erupted in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday afternoon, forcing mandatory evacuations for about 30,000 residents and causing highway closures. Many people abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot as the fire intensified. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that over 13,000 buildings and 26,000 individuals were within the evacuation zone, considered under immediate threat.

By late Tuesday night, the blaze had consumed nearly 3,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the evacuation of approximately 30,000 people from 10,000 households, encompassing 15,000 structures including homes and businesses. No injuries have been reported.

Over 250 LAFD firefighters, along with crews from neighboring agencies, battled the flames. Abandoned vehicles along Sunset and Palisades were removed to ensure clear access for emergency responders. The LAFD called in all off-duty personnel to assist with the firefight.

A variety of fire vehicles were deployed, including engines, trucks, helicopters, bulldozers, and ambulances. LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley confirmed no injuries or fatalities. Peak winds, anticipated between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, posed a significant challenge to firefighters, particularly those working from the air in darkness.

Reports indicated at least two homes ablaze on Shadow Mountain Drive and Bienveneda Avenue, with numerous others threatened. California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the scene and urged residents to heed evacuation orders. He subsequently declared a state of emergency, enabling access to additional state resources and the potential activation of the California National Guard.

The Getty Villa remained closed due to the fire, although its collection and staff were reported safe thanks to extensive fire mitigation efforts. Several schools were relocated due to the fire's proximity. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was in Ghana at the time of the outbreak, was returning to Los Angeles. Acting Mayor Marquis Harris Dawson declared a state of emergency for the city.

Two other fires were reported in Southern California, one near Pasadena and another in Sylmar, also leading to mandatory evacuations. SoCal Edison implemented power shutdowns in Malibu due to the extreme fire risk, affecting at least 167,000 households. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings through Thursday evening, advising residents to stay indoors and anticipate power outages.

The fire began around 10:30 a.m. and rapidly escalated, consuming hundreds of acres and destroying structures within hours. CAL Fire issued mandatory evacuation alerts, emphasizing the immediate danger. President Biden approved federal assistance to support the state's firefighting efforts.