Palisades Fire 55 Percent Contained as Firefighters Prepare for Santa Ana Winds

3 first-responders injured, 8 structures damaged as fire at 45 acres

By Sam Catanzaro

After relentless work by firefighters, the Palisades Fire is at 55 percent containment as of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday but with Santa Ana winds expected to bring gusts up to 50 MPH the Los Angeles Fire Department is advising residents to be prepared to evacuate.

The Palisades Fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 21. The fire’s initial location was corrected by the LAFD Tuesday to 800 N Palisades Drive from 500 N Palisades Drive.

As of Wednesday night, the structures previously threatened and evacuated remains at 628, while structures with damage is reported at eight, according to the LAPD. There has been no loss of human life or structures destroyed by this blaze. 

“Due to firefighter’s relentless work over the past three days, containment of the fire perimeter was increased from 30% to 55%. Hand Crews from multiple agencies including LAFD Crew 3, USFS [US Forest Service] and LACoFD performed the treacherous work of hiking the cliff-like, rocky terrain to strengthen containment lines. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight, surrounding the 45 acre burn footprint, to ensure remaining hot spots do not spread outside our containment lines,” said Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) public information officer Brian Humphrey.

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

At 8 p.m. Monday, all evacuation orders were lifted from the Palisades Fire but the LAFD is advising residents who return home to be on alert.

The Santa Ana wind event expected early Thursday morning through Friday afternoon is anticipated to bring wind gusts 35-50 MPH. This wind, along with increased temperatures, brings critically low relative humidity to the vegetation that likely has not last burned since 1938.

“For those of living near current wildfire incidents, be vigilant and keep your TV or radio on. Make certain you have your family critical papers, phone data, pets and other valuables ready to evacuate if so directed.”

Brian Humphrey, LAFD Public Information Officer

“The Los Angeles Fire Department encourages you to be prepared in the event of a brush fire. For those of living near current wildfire incidents, be vigilant and keep your TV or radio on. Make certain you have your family critical papers, phone data, pets and other valuables ready to evacuate if so directed,” Humphrey said.

According to Humphrey, three firefighters have been injured fighting the blaze. On Wednesday, two firefighters were taken to the hospital after being struck by falling rocks. One civilian was taken to the hospital Monday with a respiratory issue.

628 structures have been previously threatened and evacuated. 247 total personnel are assigned to the fire across a range of agencies.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), CAL FIRE, Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), L.A. Emergency Management Department (EMD), L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), L.A. Department of Water and Power (DWP), SoCal Gas, American Red Cross, L.A. Public Works, Department of Transportation (DOT) and Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) are among the cooperating agencies.

“Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) offers a grateful thank you to all of the first responders who protected our community…We also saw many instances of neighbors helping neighbors in the threatened area and in the greater Palisades,” PPCC said in a statement. “This is not an isolated incident or threat. Wildfires are a way of life in Pacific Palisades.  The last super fire that burned through the Santa Monica Mountains interface with Pacific Palisades and Brentwood was 1978, when many homes were lost and St. Matthews Church burned to the ground.  Much of the native growth has been untouched by fire since then.”

For more information on preparing to evacuate, visit https://www.lafd.org/ready-set-go.

Related Posts

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Summer Reading Program to Promote Literacy

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Running from June 14 through August 16, the program encourages participants of all ages to track their reading progress and...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/xwoTFv7YNV pic.twitter.com/3ci6iKi7Xs — Palisades News (@PalisadesNewsLA) May...

(Video) Last Thursday Concert Series Kicks off at Venice Boardwalk

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The shows happen at Dudley Ave. at the pergolas on the north end of the boardwalk The shows happen at...

Dozens of Wildfire Tax Refunds Returned Due to Invalid Addresses, L.A. County Officials Say

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Refunds and revised assessments have already been issued to hundreds of homeowners, but many notices and checks are now being...

Westside Ballet to Present Spring Showcase and Gala Featuring NYCB Stars This Weekend

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The Huntley Santa Monica Beach Community Service Award will go to first responders from Los Angeles and Santa Monica in...

Santa Monica Landlord to Pay $685K in Tenant Harassment Lawsuit

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The settlement, announced Tuesday, resolves allegations of tenant harassment and discrimination under the city’s Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination ordinances...

Officials Outline Community-Focused Plans for Venice Beach in 2028 Olympics

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Councilwoman Traci Park and LA28 leaders promise local engagement, minimal disruption, and a showcase of the neighborhood’s cultural identity LA...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

DoorDash to Award $200K in Grants to Restaurants Affected by Wildfires

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

The funding can be used to cover a range of wildfire-related expenses, including rent, repairs, and payroll DoorDash will distribute...

Thomas Mann House to Reopen in Following Wildfire Repairs: REPORT

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

Though the house remained structurally intact, it underwent months of environmental testing, cleanup, and repairs The Thomas Mann House in...

(Video) Main Street Bars & Restaurants Give a Taste in 10th Annual ‘MAINopoly’ Event

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

The event took place Sunday, May 25, transforming five blocks of Santa Monica’s Main Street into a Monopoly-themed culinary experience...

Friends of Ballona Wetlands to Host Migration Celebration May 31

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

The celebration will feature avenger hunts, a science lab, and native plant sales, offering attendees a chance to engage with...

Sen. Allen’s Wildfire Relief Bills Advance, Targeting Insurance Reform, Firefighting Jobs, and Housing Protections

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

The bills reflect a comprehensive approach to recovery, addressing immediate needs like insurance payouts and long-term strategies like workforce stability...

Comments
Leave a Reply