An analysis by the Associated Press revealed that the first evacuation order for neighborhoods near the origin of the Palisades Fire was issued approximately 40 minutes after some homes had already caught fire. The fire, which began spreading rapidly in the area around 11:27 a.m. on January 7, prompted many residents to evacuate on their own before the official order was given at 12:07 p.m. This delay in issuing the evacuation order resulted in traffic congestion and challenges for those trying to leave the affected areas.
During a news conference, Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Branden Silverman acknowledged the time it takes for emergency responders to assess a situation, deploy resources, and determine the areas that require evacuation. He explained that formulating evacuation alerts is a meticulous process that requires specificity to ensure the safety of residents.
CNN has sought comments from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the LA mayor’s office, and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management regarding the delayed evacuation order and the response to the Palisades Fire. The incident highlights the importance of timely and effective communication during emergencies to prevent delays in evacuating residents and protecting lives and property.
