A brush fire previously thought under control ballooned to more than 700 acres Saturday triggering evacuation warnings for the Topanga area.
The fire began at about 10 p.m. on Friday near Michael Lane and Palisades Court. It grew to 100 acres Saturday afternoon then rapidly expanded to more than 750 acres.
Evacuations have been ordered for Zone 4 (everyone east of Topanga Canyon between the Community House and View Ridge) and Zone 6 (everyone north of Entrada, south of Oakwood and east of Henry Ridge.) Large animal evacuation location is Pierce College. Evacuation orders remain in place Sunday (covering an estimated 1,000 people) and firefighters said onshore winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon and could push the fire in the NW direction. LAFD said resources are in place for any structural defense required.
The weather remained cool and moist overnight which led to calmer fire activity. However, as it warms up today LAFD said conditions are expected to change as the vegetation in this area is very dry and has not burned in more than 50 years.
LAFD has said the fire is "suspicious" and multiple law enforcement agencies have said they are looking for a man suspected of starting the fire.
