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Wildfire in LA: These are the areas that need to be evacuated and road closures in Palisades and Santa Monica
Evacuation orders are in place in the Pacific Palisades after a brush fire broke out in the area this morning.
Evacuation orders are now in place in the Pacific Palisades, amid a growing brush fire that broke out in the California community this morning.
How big is the Palisades fire?
According to the latest update provided by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the fire is now estimated to have spread to just over 1,250 acres in size.
The LAFD says the blaze continues to grow “due to the strong winds and mountainous topography”. The agency has also revealed that more than 250 of its firefighters, as well as personnel from neighboring agencies, are working to tackle the flames.
The fire began near Piedra Morada Drive at around 10:30 a.m. PT/1:30 p.m. ET today, taking less than an hour to grow to more than 200 acres. In an earlier update, the LAFD warned: “Homes [are] under immediate threat.”
Where are evacuation orders in place?
The LAFD says mandatory evacuation orders have been issued, revealing that they “fall within the polygon described as: Northeast is Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Blvd and south to PCH [Pacific Coast Highway].”
You’ll find an interactive map detailing the latest evacuation areas on the LAFD website.
“No threat to Santa Monica”
The evacuation area reaches the border with Santa Monica. However, municipal officials say there is “currently no threat to Santa Monica and no evacuation orders within the city.”
The City of Santa Monica cautions, though, that fire incidents “are dynamic and can change”, and is providing regular updates to residents on its website.
Where are there road closures?
The California Department of Transportation says the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) is closed between Temescal Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Boulevard.
The body adds: “Topanga Canyon Blvd. (SR 27) is closed except for evacuations. WB I-10 at McClure Tunnel is closed to prevent queuing on PCH.”
The City of Santa Monica also reports the following closures: “Northbound Ocean Avenue, 7th Street and 26th Street at San Vicente Boulevard. Access points for northbound PCH at Moomat Ahiko and California Incline.”
Motorists can use CalTrans’s Quick Map tool to get the latest updates on road closures.
Shelter open on S Sepulveda Blvd
The LAFD says that Westwood Recreation Center has been opened as an evacuation shelter, where residents can stay overnight. Small animals are allowed at the center, located at 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard.
In addition, Pierce College, which is at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, is now available for the evacuation of large animals.
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