Three major wildfires burn in Southern California

As the strong Santa Ana winds continue Wednesday morning, a red flag warning remains in effect until Thursday afternoon.

The strongest wind gusts are expected through the first half of the day Wednesday.

There are extreme fire conditions over Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to the combination of strong winds and very low relative humidity and dry vegetation.

Through sunrise, the winds may get stronger in a few locations. Around noon, the winds will slow down just a bit for a few locations.

The red flag warning will remain in effect through Thursday afternoon and a high wind warning will remain in effect through Wednesday evening.

An evacuation order was issued for all La Cañada Flintridge residents early Wednesday morning.

"Residents in affected zones should evacuate immediately," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Crescenta Valley Station said on X.

The order came shortly after the city issued an evacuation warning for parts of the city as the Eaton Fire burned just east.

**UPDATE Evacuation Order Issued for All of La Cañada Flintridge**

An evacuation order has been issued for all of La Cañada Flintridge due to severe wind conditions and ongoing fire in the area. Residents in affected zones should evacuate immediately. pic.twitter.com/BwUziIKXN7

— LASD CrescentaValley (@CVLASD) January 8, 2025

The Hurst Fire in Sylmar continues to burn over 500 acres as of Wednesday morning.

Firefighters are focusing on structure protection and public safety, according to the Angeles National Forest.

The wind-driven fire was reported at 10:10 p.m. near the 15000 block of W. Yarnell Street.

A mandatory evacuation was issued for residents north of 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway split

An evacuation center has been establoshed at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center  located at 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in Pacoima.

At least 1,000 acres have burned due to the Eaton Fire in Altadena that began Tuesday night.

Multiple structures have been destroyed due to the fire in the foothill community northeast of Los Angeles. 

Due to the dangerous conditions in the area, schools were prompted to close in Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank and Arcadia.

According to Cal Fire, the "high winds are driving rapid fire growth, posing a significant threat to nearby communities and making containment efforts challenging."

Firefighters continue working to slow the spread of the fire and protect critical infrastructure.

Of the three major wildfires burning in Southern California on Wednesday, the fire in Pacific Palisades continues to be the largest.

According to Cal Fire, it has burned 2,921 acres as of Wednesday morning.

Several homes and buildings in the area have been destroyed as 30,000 people were forced to evacuate.

An evacuation map can be found on the Los Angeles Fire Department's website.

All Malibu and Santa Monica schools were closed today due to the wind-driven fire.

An evacuation warning was issued early Wednesday for parts of La Cañada Flintridge.

The city posted the warning on X, advising residents to prepare to evacuate if wind conditions worsened.

The city is located just west of where the Eaton Fire had burned more than 1,000 acres.

🚨 Evacuation Warning Issued for Parts of La Cañada Flintridge 🚨

An evacuation warning has been issued for parts of La Cañada Flintridge due to severe wind conditions and ongoing fires in the area. Residents in affected zones should be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.… pic.twitter.com/ALswk1W2Bg

— La Cañada Flintridge (@TheCityofLCF) January 8, 2025

The warm winds of up to 60 mph that are helping wildfires to spread across the LA metro area will last until at least Thursday, LA County Fire said early today.

The Palisades fire is almost at 3,000 acres, which is around 4.5 square miles, and is 0% contained.

PALISADES FIRE | 2921 acres 0% containment. Extreme fire behavior, short & long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire. Winds gusts up to 60 MPH are expected to continue through Thursday. pic.twitter.com/QHKIh6u6FD

— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 8, 2025

The Los Angeles Fire Department said the Hurst Fire in Sylmar grew to at least 300 acres early Wednesday.

Due to the fire, a mandatory evacuation was issued for residents north of the 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway split. An evacuation warning is in effect for those who reside near the 5 Freeway from Woodley/Balboa to Lahey Street to Zelzah Avenue.

An interactive map for evacuation orders and warnings can be accessed here.

Malibu City authorities have urged residents not already under evacuation orders to prepare to leave if conditions worsen, with the Palisade blaze creating a "rapidly evolving dangerous situation."

"If you require additional time to evacuate, or if you have pets or livestock, consider making preparations to leave now," authorities said in an emergency alert.

Residents who have a safe location to go outside Malibu should consider relocating northwest towards Oxnard, the alert said.

🚨 Malibu urges all residents not under evacuation orders prepare to leave. #PalisadesFire is uncontained, fueled by Santa Ana winds. Evacuate now, especially if you need extra time or have pets/livestock. Find your evacuation zone at https://t.co/93cHDtDbVt. Avoid south/east PCH pic.twitter.com/fHzFSpigse

— City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) January 8, 2025

Santa Monica College will not have in-person classes on Wednesday while fire crews continue their firefight in Pacific Palisades.

In-person classes and services at the college will be canceled Wednesday and employees are asked to work remotely. Instructors are asked to hold their courses online on Wednesday or consider canceling the class altogether.

For more information from the college, click here.

Vice President Kamala Harris said that she is praying for all Californians who have had to evacuate or been affected by wind-whipped wildfires that are creating a fire emergency in the Los Angeles area.

“Doug and I are praying for our fellow Californians who have evacuated, and we are thinking of the families whose homes, businesses, and schools remain in harm’s way,” Harris said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for the heroic first responders who are risking their own safety to fight the flames and help keep communities safe.”

Harris’ Los Angeles home is in the eastern part of the evacuation zone from the Palisades Fire, which was nearly 3,000 acres tonight after breaking out at around 10:30 a.m.

Harris said that the Biden administration is committed to helping the victims and the state.

“As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities,” Harris said. “I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials.”

The quick-moving fire that forced several residents in the San Gabriel Valley to vacate their homes grew to at least 1,000 acres Tuesday night, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Residents impacted by the evacuation order can take shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center, where service animals will also be allowed. Small pets can be boarded at the Pasadena Humane Society.

For a detailed list on evacuations, click here.

The Arcadia Unified School District announced it's closing its schools Wednesday due to dangerous weather conditions.

"Our maintenance and facilities departments have been working overtime to secure campuses as much as possible and do everything they can to ensure necessary precautions are being taken," the school district said in a press release announcing the closure.

The district advised its community to keep up with the latest with its Facebook page.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency tonight approved assistance to battle the Eaton Fire, which broke out in the Altadena area.

FEMA granted a “Fire Management Assistance Grant” in combating the Eaton Fire, it said.

The Eaton Fire, which, like the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, is also being whipped by extreme Santa Ana winds, was threatening around 8,200 homes in and around Altadena and Pasadena, it said.

FEMA earlier today approved federal aid in fighting the Palisades Fire.

The Glendale Unified School District announced its schools and district offices will be closed Wednesday due to the ongoing Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire.

"This decision was made to prioritize the safety of our students, employees, and families, as wind and fires have significantly impacted the accessibility of roadways and the air quality in our area," said Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson said in a statement.

In addition to its district offices and schools, GUSD's childcare operations will also be closed on Wednesday.

The Screen Actors Guild has canceled its planned in-person awards nomination ceremony because of extreme fire conditions in Los Angeles and the area, the organization announced tonight.

The SAG Awards nominations were supposed to be held in an in-person ceremony tomorrow. Instead, the nominations will be announced by a press release and on the SAG Awards website at 7:30 a.m.

“In the meantime, we urge everyone to stay safe, and thank you for your continued support,” the guild said in a statement.

The awards will be held Feb. 23.

Evacuations were ordered in Pasadena as firefighters continued to battle the Eaton Fire on Tuesday.

The city issued an evacuation order for areas north of New York Drive, east of Altadena Drive and west of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue.

Those who are under the evacuation zone can take shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is located at 300 E. Green Street in Pasadena.

A firefighter was seriously hurt and several other people were burned in the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, according to fire officials.

The injured firefighter suffered a serious head injury at about 8:30 p.m. and received immediate care. She was then later taken to a nearby hospital for further care. It is unclear how she got hurt.

About half an hour later, multiple burn victims were seen walking toward a restaurant, fire officials. It is unclear exactly how many individuals were hurt or what the extent of their injuries was. Medical resources were routed to treat them.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ Los Angeles residence is now in the eastern portion of the evacuation zone from the Palisades Fire.

An area with around 30,000 people was put under evacuation orders after the fire broke out at 10:30 a.m. in the Pacific Palisades and quickly grew, driven by high Santa Ana winds. Evacuation zones later grew.

The vice president is currently in Washington, D.C.

The peak of the high winds is expected tonight and into tomorrow morning.

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.

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.

"We are all watching the Palisades fire with tremendous concern this evening with evacuations in areas of western Malibu across Palisades to the northern border of Santa Monica," Superintendent Antonio Shelton said in a statement announcing the closures.

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.

"The closure will allow our crews time to evaluate and repair damages to ensure all campuses are safe for students and staff," the district said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed."

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)

The peak of the Santa Ana winds has yet to hit Southern California as firefighters battle two large brush fires in Los Angeles County, NBC4 Meteorologist David Biggar said in his forecast.

Already the gusty conditions have contributed to the spread of the Palisades Fire in West Los Angeles and the Eaton Fire in Altadena, but harsher conditions are slated to peak around 10 p.m. Tuesday or later, particularly for the San Fernando Valley and the coast.

When it comes to Altadena, Sierra Madre and La Cañada, humidity levels are relatively low at only about 20%, according to Biggar.

“So if you’re any of these foothill communities right along that urban-wildland interface, you need to have a go-bag ready and you need to really pay attention here to any official notices that come out from firefighters, police, any officials about any evacuation orders,” Biggar said.

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

An evacuation order was issued for all parts of Santa Monica north of San Vicente Boulevard. Other areas were under an evacuation warning.

Click here for updated map.

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.

Updates: https://t.co/BTF6UsEbYG

— City of Santa Monica (@santamonicacity) January 8, 2025

Evacuations were ordered as the Eaton Fire near Altadena grew to 200 acres fanned by strong winds.

#EatonFire Mandatory Evacuations - LEAVE NOW

E/Altadena Dr
Kinneloa Cyn Rd
Outpost lane
Glen Springs
Coolidge
Miranda
Roosevelt
Veranda
Kenclare@PasadenaFD @LASDHQ @PasadenaPD @PasadenaGov @LACOFD pic.twitter.com/bSFjc2wZmH

— Angeles National Forest (@Angeles_NF) January 8, 2025

The mandatory evacuation zone has expanded east to Kenter and north to Mulholland Road. Click here for an updated LAFD map.

Firefighters responded to a separate brush fire Tuesday night in the Eaton Canyon area north of Altadena that quickly grew to about 200 acres in its first hour.

The Eaton Fire was reported at about 6:30 p.m., according to Cal Fire. As a result of the blaze, the following areas were ordered to evacuate:

• ALD-EASTLOMA, ALD-EATONCANYON, ALD-GARFIAS, ALD-MENDOCINO, ALD-MIDLOTHIAN, KIN-KINNELOA, PAS-E019

As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Palisades Fire swelled to more than 2,900 acres, according to Cal Fire.

About 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate as crews continued to battle the blaze. To see which areas are under evacuation orders, click here.

The Westwood Recreation Center is serving as a shelter for residents impacted by the fire. It is located at 1350 South Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025.

The Getty Villa, located just west of the fire area, was closed to non-emergency staff and the public due to the wildfire.

Some trees and vegetation at the landmark site have burned, but no structures were no fire. Staff members remain safe, the Getty Museum said in a post on X.

Today, a brush fire started in Pacific Palisades fueled by extremely high winds.

At the Getty Villa, some trees & vegetation on site have burned, but no structures are on fire, and staff and the collection remain safe.

The Villa is closed to non-emergency staff and the public. pic.twitter.com/YN4RkOPRNS

— Getty (@GettyMuseum) January 8, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the Palisades fire as it continues to burn through more than 1,200 acres of land.

In a press release Tuesday, Newsom’s office said the governor met with first responders in Pacific Palisades and declared the emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The declaration paves the way for state resources to assist in the firefighter response and evacuations. It also allows the California National Guard to be mobilized if needed.

Earlier in the day, the governor announced the state secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help ensure resources are available in the firefight.

Video showed firefighters saving residents' belongings from a home in the path of the Palisades Fire.

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A post shared by Karma Dickerson (@karmadickersontv)

The LAPD announced plans for a 3:30 p.m. news conference on the Palisades Fire.

Live video will be provided above.

#mediaalert #breakingnews #LAFD will hold a press conference at Will Rogers State Beach for the #palisadesFire at 3:30PM.

— LAFD 🔥 (@LAFD) January 7, 2025

The winds have been howling through neighborhoods across the San Gabriel Valley.  

The Santa Ana winds coming through Pasadena are reminiscent of what some have called an “apocalyptic” windstorm in 2011 that took out power on this block for a week.

Residents are doing what they can to clean up, be prepared, and assist neighbors, some who are undergoing construction, if needed.  

The city says if there is a need to shut off power that could happen with little warning in order to avoid any potential fire danger. 

Current conditions near the #PalisadesFire, gusts are pushing the fire along fast, leading to long range spotting.

Stay out of the area and listen to all official evacuation orders. Have your go bag ready!

If you see fire approaching or don't feel safe, LEAVE! Do not wait to be told to evacuate.

The estimated size of the Palisades Fire more than doubled Tuesday afternoon to 770 acres. The change in estimated size was updated after aerial mapping, the LAFD said.

Strong Santa Ana winds continue across several areas of Southern California, including the Inland Empire.

Shoppers outside of a Target store in Fontana shielded their eyes as they left the parking lot.

These strong gusts along the 15 freeway have been felt all day.

Smoke from the Palisades Fire could be seen from around Southern California. Click here for an updated image gallery.

Erika Robles

The Santa Ana Winds are bringing with them potentially dangerous conditions that could cause significant issues across the region.

For the third time this season, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) warning. This designation has only been used twice before this season, during the Franklin and Mountain Fire events.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Timing:
  • Winds will intensify today, peak tonight through Wednesday morning, and gradually ease up by Thursday. That said, some areas will still see high winds into Thursday afternoon.
• Wind Strength:
  • Coastal areas and deserts: gusts up to 50-60 mph
  • Valleys and urban areas: gusts of 60-70 mph
  • Mountains and foothills: gusts of 80-100 mph
• Impacts:
  • Fire Danger: Strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation create conditions for critical fire weather. If a fire starts, it could spread rapidly with extreme behavior.
  • Damage and Outages: Downed trees and power lines are expected, which could lead to power outages, some lasting for an extended period.
  • Travel Hazards: Debris, crosswinds, and possible road closures could make driving risky, especially in mountain passes and valleys.

Residents in Pacific Palisades were seen trying to evacuate the area after evacuations were ordered for the community in the mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

A 200-acre fire surrounded the area with flames and heavy smoke.

Drivers on Pacific Coast Highway and other roads encountered some traffic backups and even a truck that caught on fire as they tried to leave the area.

Students at schools in the area of the Palisades Fire were temporarily relocated late Tuesday morning.

• Palisades Charter Elementary School and Marquez Charter Elementary School relocated to Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet at 740 Gretna Green Way, LA 90049.
• Paul Revere Charter Middle School will relocate to to University High School Charter at 11800 Texas Avenue, LA 90025.

Affected schools are communicating directly with families. The LAUSD urged anyone with questions to contact the Family Hotline at 213-443-1300.

Traffic was backing up on Pacific Coast Highway and other roads in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas near the Palisades Fire.

Residents in the Pacific Palisades area and well beyond are seeing smoke from a brush fire that is being pushed by strong winds.

Rod and Jennifer Taylor

What makes this windstorm different? Part of the reason is that areas ususally sheltered from the strongest winds will be affected.

These areas include the San Gabriel Valley. Gusts in the mountains and foothills could reach 80 mph.

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A post shared by Meteorologist Shanna Mendiola (@shannanbcla)