Mandatory evacuation orders for Los Angeles residents have expanded overnight as the Palisades Fire continues to burn, reaching the northern edge of Encino. The fire, which broke out Tuesday, has already swept through parts of the city, leaving destruction in its wake. As of now, the fire is 8% contained, and officials are urging residents in additional areas to evacuate immediately.
The updated mandatory evacuation orders cover an area from Sunset Boulevard north to the Encino Reservoir and from Interstate 405 to Mandeville Canyon. These areas were previously under evacuation warnings, meaning residents were advised to be prepared to leave. Additionally, two other evacuation warnings were issued, affecting neighborhoods from Sunset Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, and from Mulholland Drive to Ventura Boulevard, extending west to Louise Avenue and the 405 freeway. The map of the evacuation zone can be consulted here.
The Palisades Fire is part of a larger series of wind-driven fires that have devastated the greater Los Angeles area. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead, and the fires have consumed more than 37,900 acres, destroying over 12,000 structures, as reported by NBC News. The evacuation orders now affect at least 153,000 residents, with officials urging those in danger zones to leave as the fire continues to spread toward Brentwood and Encino.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure during the fire. Reports emerged that local fire hydrants, which are crucial for fighting wildfires, became unusable due to water supply issues.
Newsom has requested that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and Los Angeles County officials conduct a swift investigation to determine the cause of the loss in pressure and review local preparedness and response procedures.
NEW: I am calling for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 10, 2025
We need answers to ensure this does not happen again and we have every resource available to… pic.twitter.com/R0vq0wwZph
While fire hydrants are not designed to fight large-scale wildfires, the loss of water likely hindered firefighting efforts and increased the danger to homes and evacuation routes. Newsom's letter to LADWP and county officials underscores the need for answers, as the fire continues to threaten communities.
The incident has sparked criticism from multiple political figures, including President-elect Donald Trump and real estate mogul Rick Caruso, who have voiced concerns about the effectiveness of local leadership in handling the crisis.
The fires have destroyed critical infrastructure, including schools, churches, libraries, and businesses, with analysts estimating economic losses between $135 and $150 billion, according to AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fires, which are unusually late in the season.
Air quality continues to worsen as well, with several school districts cancelling classes. Sylvia Kotikian, a medical director at Adventist Health Glendale, warned residents to stay safe as smoke makes it difficult to breathe.
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