Credited from: USATODAY
A massive bush fire known as the Palisades Fire has rapidly spread over 700 acres in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, forcing thousands to evacuate due to life-threatening conditions. With flames fueled by extreme Santa Ana winds, the fire was reported at around 11 a.m. local time on Tuesday and has continued to expand throughout the day. The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued mandatory evacuation orders for areas between Piedra Morada Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway, putting many homes at immediate risk
.The fire's rapid growth has led to a red flag warning issued by Cal Fire, as the region faces dire wildfire risks compounded by low humidity and critically dry conditions. The fire's cause remains under investigation, with officials urging residents to remain vigilant for suspicious activities to help prevent arson, echoing a previous statement: “Your vigilance is critical to preventing additional fires,” said the fire department.
The National Weather Service has cautioned of a "life-threatening, destructive windstorm" expected to last through Wednesday, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph. This has created a widespread fire risk across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, significantly affecting areas that recently recovered from the previous Franklin Fire earlier this year.
As the situation develops, residents can view the full wildfire map provided by USA TODAY for the latest updates and evacuation orders.