A wind-fueled brush fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. in Pacific Palisades, endangering homes and triggering evacuations amid critical red flag warnings.
Traffic came to a standstill on PCH and surrounding roads, complicating evacuation efforts for residents fleeing the LA County coastal community.
Red flag warnings have been issued for the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, and the San Gabriel, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita valleys.
Due to wildfire risks, Caltrans has shut down Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.
A destructive wildfire is burning in Pacific Palisades on a day when Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California are seeing powerful gusts as a Santa Ana windstorm brings potentially damaging winds and red flag warnings to the region.
Classes in Malibu schools have been suspended by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District due to ongoing conditions
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced school closures Wednesday due to the Palisades Fire, high winds and power shut-offs.
The district’s four Malibu schools will be closed due to the weather conditions and blaze. As of Tuesday night, its Santa Monica campuses will remain open Wednesday.
Pasadena Unified School District declares all schools closed until further notice
In wake of the Eaton Fire, high winds and damage caused by the relentless weather, the Pasadena Unified School District announced a school closure. All district schools will be closed on Wednesday.
Students who depend on school meals will be able to pick up Grab & Go meals from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations:
- Madison Elementary School (515 E Ashtabula St, Pasadena, CA 91104)
- McKinley School (325 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101)
- Willard Elementary School (301 Madre St, Pasadena, CA 91107)
LA Mayor Bass releases statement on state of emergency and response to wildfire
Mayor Karen Bass released the following statement on her X account just before 8 p.m., about three hours after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency while he visited Pacific Palisades.
We’ve declared a state of emergency to amplify our response to this devastating fire and clear a path for a rapid recovery.
To the hundreds of brave firefighters and first responders who have been responding all day to this blaze – we thank you.
To the thousands of families…
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 8, 2025
Evacuations ordered in Santa Monica due to Palisades Fire
An evacuation order was issued for all parts of Santa Monica north of San Vicente Boulevard. Other areas were under an evacuation warning.
City of Santa Monica is issuing an Evacuation Order for all areas of the city north of San Vicente. Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is closed to public access.
— City of Santa Monica (@santamonicacity) January 8, 2025
Seniors evacuated from nursing facility as Eaton Fire burns nearby
A dramatic scene unfolded Tuesday night at a senior healthcare center in Pasadena where seniors, some in medical gowns and wheelchairs, scrambled to safety as thick smoke from the Eaton Fire reached their facility.
Ambulances and other vehicles arrived to evacuate patients away from the Pasadena Park Healthcare and Wellness Center. The facility’s website says it specializes in providing short- and long-term care and rehabilitation services. It is located just a few blocks south of the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.
