A brush fire broke out Monday morning in Pacific Palisades, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. at 500 N Palisades Dr. and burned 30 acres uphill, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. More than 150 county and city firefighters battled the fire on the ground and from helicopters, bringing the blaze under control by noon. No structures have been burned and one firefighter injury has been reported.
The fire threatened several multi-million dollar homes along Vista Grande Drive and Charmel Lane, according to LAFD. Sky5 helicopters captured video of residents fleeing their homes and trying to repel the fire with garden hoses.
The area is home to many schools, including Westside Waldorf School, Marquez Charter School, Cavalry Christian School, Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles. Chabad of Pacific Palisades and the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple are located just south of the burn area.
LAFD issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents within the area bordered by Charmel Lane on the west, Bienveneda Avenue on the east, the end of Lachman Lane on the north and Merivale Lane on the south. An LAPD spokesperson said the order affects about 200 homes.
All persons in the area were directed to leave immediately in a calm and orderly manner due to both potential fire and smoke behavior as well as the pending arrival of large fixed-wind retardant dropping aircraft. LAFD asked evacuating residents to notify their neighbors of the order and offer what evacuation assistance they can to neighbors who have mobility or functional needs.
An evacuation center has been set up at Palisades Recreation Center, according to LAFD.
Officials said at a press conference that they do not yet know the cause of the fire. Santa Ana winds were expected to sweep the area on Monday, but officials said wind did not play a role in spreading the blaze.
LAFD chief Anthony Marrone said firefighters will continue to battle the fire throughout the night and will ensure that the area is not susceptible to ignition when high winds blow into the area Thursday.
"Folks can get a false sense of security," assistant chief Patrick Butler said at the press conference. "The weather can change around here ... and the area is ripe for wildfires. So, when we initiate an evacuation in area, it’s not so much … for what you see in front of you, but what they can anticipate."
madeleine@smdp.com
