Fire officials are warning residents in Southern California to be prepared for potential evacuations as the Palisades Fire rapidly spreads towards structures. The fire, which was first detected in the mountains north of Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood, has already consumed 200 acres of land, according to CalFire.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued evacuation warnings for four zones near the fire, with particular concern for residents on Palisades Drive. The LAFD emphasizes the importance of swift action in containing the blaze, as strong winds in the region are fueling the fire's rapid growth.
Another wildfire has also ignited near Sunset Boulevard in the Hollywood Hills, adding to the challenges faced by firefighters. Wind speeds of 5 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, are currently observed near the base of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, with even stronger gusts expected in higher elevations where the fire is burning.
The forecast indicates that winds will intensify in the coming days, with gusts near the Palisades Fire potentially reaching 45 mph during the day and peaking at 70 mph overnight. Across Southern California, wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph are expected on Wednesday, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 65 mph.
Extreme wind conditions are forecasted elsewhere in Southern California, with gusts of up to 80 mph anticipated in the next 24 hours and the possibility of gusts up to 100 mph in mountainous regions. Firefighters are working diligently to contain the fires amidst these challenging weather conditions, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations.
