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The situation is expected to worsen as the week progresses, and firefighters will reach a critical stage in their efforts to extinguish the Palisades fire on Sunday.
The fire, already one of the most destructive natural disasters in Los Angeles history, continued to rage east Saturday toward Brentwood, gutting homes in Mandeville Canyon. However, crews were able to limit damage to the neighborhood and halt the fire’s progress.
As of Cal Fire’s latest update around 9 p.m. Saturday, the Palisades Fire was 23,654 acres and 11% contained.
In this aerial photo taken from a helicopter, the smoldering Palisades Fire burns homes near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, on January 9, 2025. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP, Getty Images)
The damage was devastating, with more than 5,000 buildings destroyed and at least two people killed. The historic Pacific Palisades neighborhood was almost completely burnt to the ground as thousands of families pondered what to do next.
But that doesn’t mean the threat is gone. The National Weather Service says significant fire weather will occur over the next few days starting Sunday.
Dry moisture and high-speed northeasterly winds could keep the fire moving toward the San Fernando Valley, potentially causing untold damage to one of Los Angeles’ major population centers.
Sunday should be a big day for crews, as evening wind gusts are expected to remain below 10 to 11 mph, but strong winds are expected to return early Monday morning.
However, fire crews from Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas and even Mexico are currently in Southern California to help extinguish the blazes.
The evacuation zone remains unchanged on Sunday from Saturday. These include the Pacific Palisades, which connect to the Pacific Ocean, and the areas of Santa Monica, Malibu, and Topanga. Some residents and businesses in Calabasas, Tarzana and Encino remained under evacuation orders Sunday morning.
Palisades Fire Evacuation Area as of Sunday, January 12, 2025. Mandatory evacuation order areas are red, and evacuation warning areas are yellow. (Cal Fire)
UCLA students have been instructed to remain on high alert, although the campus remains open for now.
Officials closed several exits along Highway 405. They include:
Getty Center Drive exit ramps in both directions have been closed. The Skirball Center Drive two-way exit ramp is closed. The Sunset Boulevard southbound off-ramp has been closed. The southbound Wilshire Boulevard off-ramp is closed. Southbound Santa Monica Boulevard. The off-ramp has been closed. The southbound Olympic/Pico Street off-ramp has been closed.
While crews are working to extinguish the fire, tensions among city officials remain evident. At a press conference Saturday, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said she had a “disagreement” with LAFD Fire Chief Christine Crowley.
“We need to stay focused, but definitely once the fire is out we will fully explain what worked and what didn’t work,” Bass said. “To be clear, the Fire Chief and I are focused on extinguishing these fires and saving lives, and while any disagreements will be resolved privately, our The first and most important duty is to get through this fire and this crisis. ”
The Palisades Fire closed in on Brentwood Saturday morning, threatening homes. (KTLA)
Bass did not elaborate on the “differences,” but LAFD Commissioner Christine Crowley said in a previous interview that city leadership failed the city in its responsibility by not adequately funding firefighting efforts. , said the city was unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude.
“When firefighters come to the hydrant, we expect there to be water,” she said.
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