DEVELOPING STORY: Raging flames from a massive windstorm have burned homes across Pacific Palisades, a wealthy enclave of Los Angeles — home to many Hollywood celebrities. At least 30,000 have been ordered to evacuate from the area.
“People in the area of Palisades need to evacuate now due to a rapidly moving wildfire, the Fire Department said. “Pack all people and pets into your vehicle and leave the area immediately. If you are not in the mandatory evacuation zone, stay off the roads to allow first responders and evacuees to move quickly.”
Just before 1 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department announced a citywide tactical alert as its officers assisted in the response to the blaze.The fire has exploded to more than 1,200 acres and is burning out of control. Some 13,000 structures are at risk.
“This is pretty much the worst possible scenario for a firefight,” said LAFD spokesman David Ortiz.
ABC7 News reported that “panicked drivers” trying to flee from the “Palisades Fire zone ditch their cars along Sunset Boulevard.”
The New York Times reports “patrol cars were cruising through residential streets in Pacific Palisades blaring their horns to alert residents to evacuate, as winds began to shroud homes in smoke and ash. A few onlookers scattered, and residents zoomed out of their driveways as the flames drew closer.”
In a video published on X, actor James Woods said he was “standing in my driveway getting ready to evacuate.” The footage showed dramatic flames burning dangerously close to several hillside homes.
“We’ve got a lot of planes going over, dropping water,” Woods said, “but…”
🚨 JUST IN: HORRIFYING video coming out of Pacific Palisades, California as wildfires run rampant due to high winds
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 7, 2025
This is getting incredibly bad incredibly quickly. pic.twitter.com/tM26p0iNdF
SHOCKING: Firefighters are reportedly nowhere in sight as homes burn to the ground in Pacific Palisades, according to reports.
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) January 8, 2025
Reporters have even resorted to grabbing hoses and attempting to fight the fire themselves. pic.twitter.com/zCVAzCM0Sl
The homes of Hollywood elites are once again in jeopardy as a wildfire in Pacific Palisades, California, has prompted an evacuation order.
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) January 7, 2025
This neighborhood is home to many Hollywood celebrities, business leaders, athletes, and artists, known for its luxurious residences and… pic.twitter.com/jvMVqcECJR
🚨 Video footage from five minutes ago in Los Angeles, sunset blvd, people have abandoned their vehicles to attempt to evacuate on foot as the Pacific Palisades wildfire continues to spread. pic.twitter.com/Dr3BwsrE4A
— Frank Fighting For Faith & Freedom 🕊️🇺🇸 (@thinktankfranks) January 7, 2025
🚨 #BREAKING: Police in Los Angeles are rescuing fire victims who fled on foot from Pacific Palisades
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 7, 2025
Officers just picked up a woman, child, and their dog.
LAPD are HEROES running towards these flames to help fellow Americans.
pic.twitter.com/rcw0RZInJB
HORRIFIC fire storm in LA. Reaching the ocean. PCH pic.twitter.com/aVpL7pGSfI
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) January 8, 2025
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