Palisades Fire LIVE: Updates From California as Eaton Blaze Rips Through LA

Southern California is battling multiple wildfires fueled by some of the strongest Santa Ana winds in recent memory, prompting mass evacuations, infrastructure damage, and an ongoing state of emergency.

The Palisades Fire, which erupted in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, rapidly ballooned in size to cover more than 2,900 acres with zero containment as of Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Two new blazes—the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar—erupted late Tuesday, further straining firefighting resources.

Around 30,000 residents of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades have been told to evacuate immediately. "Evacuate now from the area of Palisades Area. Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place. Evacuation order for Palisades Fire," the Los Angeles Fire Department said on X, formerly Twitter.

What to Know:

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared a state of emergency.
• The Palisades Fire began before 11 a.m. southeast of Palisades Drive and has grown to 2,900 acres with no containment reported.
• The Eaton Fire, first reported Tuesday evening, quickly consumed 400 acres in the hills above Altadena and prompted evacuation orders for parts of Altadena and Pasadena.
• The Hurst Fire, which ignited in Sylmar late Tuesday night, has already charred 100 acres near the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, according to fire officials​​​.
• Evacuations are underway due to the potential threat to life and property, according to Cal Fire.
• A severe windstorm with gusts up to 100 mph in higher elevations is fueling the fire, alongside dry, low-humidity conditions across Southern California.
• Authorities urge residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately for their safety.

Follow Newsweek's live blog for the latest updates.

03:17 AM EST

Eaton Fire at 1,000 acres early Wednesday

The Eaton Fire, first reported Tuesday evening, has now consumed approximately 1,000 acres in the hills above Altadena and prompted evacuation orders for parts of Altadena and Pasadena.

Read more from Anna Commander and Aila Slisco on Newsweek.

03:15 AM EST

WATCH: LA fire department shares videos of Palisades Fire

03:12 AM EST

Hurst Fire Erupts in California as Los Angeles Battles Multiple Blazes

Hurst Fire has broken out in California as Los Angeles battles multiple wildfires.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the fire, initially called the Sylmar Fire, is burning over 100 acres and is spreading rapidly after breaking out at around 10:30 p.m. PST Tuesday.

A Mandatory evacuation order is in place for North of 210 Freeway from Roxford to the Interstate 5 / 14 Freeway split. There is also an evacuation order in place for 5 Freeway to Woodley/Balboa to Lahey Street to Zelzah Avenue.
The brush fire began at Yarnell, north of Foothill Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley.

Read more from Martha McHardy on Newsweek.

03:09 AM EST

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declares state of emergency

"We've declared a state of emergency to amplify our response to this devastating fire and clear a path for a rapid recovery," Bass said Tuesday as officials in the region tackled three wildfires, including one in the Pacific Palisades.

"To the thousands of families impacted by this horrific fire – the City of Los Angeles is providing resources and shelter as this emergency continues," she added. "To the hundreds of brave firefighters and first responders who have been responding all day to this blaze – we thank you. The City is working aggressively to confront this emergency."