Evacuations Ordered in Pacific Palisades and Altadena as Fierce Winds Fuel Rapidly Growing Fires

A wind-driven wildfire rages in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday

 Two fast-moving wildfires, driven by powerful winds, have forced evacuations in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The Palisades Fire has scorched over 2,900 acres since igniting Tuesday morning, with firefighters facing a long night ahead as wind speeds are expected to peak between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The fire began at 10:30 a.m. near Piedra Morada Drive and quickly spread, fueled by gusts that created dangerous conditions. By early evening, it had consumed 2,921 acres, forcing more than 30,000 residents to flee. Firefighters warned that worsening winds and critically low humidity would make firefighting efforts, particularly aerial attacks, increasingly difficult.

“This is far from over—it’s just getting started and will get worse before it improves,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain cautioned during a briefing. L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone added that if sustained winds exceed 30 to 40 mph, aerial firefighting could become unfeasible. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the challenges, noting that strong winds could render water and retardant drops ineffective.

Compounding the crisis, additional fires have broken out. By 6:30 p.m., a blaze in Pasadena’s foothills had rapidly grown to 20 acres, prompting immediate concern over its spread. In Altadena, a fire near Eaton Canyon scorched 400 acres by 8:14 p.m., leading to evacuations west of the Eaton Canyon Golf Course.

The Palisades Fire continued to threaten landmarks and neighborhoods, including the Getty Villa, Palisades Charter High School, and local businesses. Among the losses, the beloved Reel Inn seafood restaurant in Malibu appears to have been consumed by flames.

The National Weather Service has issued a “particularly dangerous situation” warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, predicting the most destructive windstorm since 2011. This warning remains in effect until Thursday.

Fire risk will remain high throughout the week as vegetation becomes drier under relentless winds. “The strongest winds are at the beginning, but the driest vegetation will come later, extending the fire danger,” Swain explained.

Experts highlighted that recent weather patterns have amplified fire risks. Alex Hall, director of the UCLA Center for Climate Science, noted that a hot summer and lack of rain have left the region’s vegetation primed for ignition. Climate change has also exacerbated the overlap between extreme wind events and critically dry conditions.

Governor Newsom stressed that fire danger is now a year-round concern: “This is no longer fire season—it’s fire year.”