L.A. Neighborhoods Evacuated as Fire Rages in Pacific Palisades Hills

Strong winds in Los Angeles are stoking several fires in the area, with a Pacific Palisades blaze causing evacuations all the way to Pacific Coast Highway.

The blaze is estimated to be at 200 acres centering on Palisades Highlands, with evacuation warnings for hilly areas including Sunset Mesa, Palisades Highlands and Rustic Canyon. Palisades Drive is closed from Pacific Coast Highway up into the Palisades Highlands neighborhood, and ABC7 reported that a hiker is currently being rescued from the nearby hills.

Actor James Woods shared photos of the fire on his X account and was among those preparing to evacuate. Homes were reported to be burning on Lachman Lane, the site of luxury dwellings such as Kobe Bryant’s former $15 million mansion.

In addition, President Biden has canceled his planned appearance in the Coachella Valley town of Thermal and will make his remarks to announce the creation of a new national monument at a later date.

The high winds are expected to last through Wednesday, and the National Weather Service said gusts could be up to 100 miles an hour.

The fire started around 10:30 a.m. near Piedra Morada Drive, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Meanwhile, the city of Los Angeles advised residents to “get set for a potential wildfire evacuation by gathering supplies and loved ones.”

An evacuation center is available at the Westwood Recreation Center on Sepulveda.

The fire’s huge plume of smoke was visible across most of Los Angeles by midday Tuesday, and the LAFD also battled a smaller fire in West Hollywood at Sunset and La Cienega earlier Tuesday.

All Malibu schools were closed for the day and Pacific Palisades schools are relocating to other locations.

In December, the Franklin fire burned more than 4,000 acres in nearby Malibu, destroying several homes.