Palisades Fire Virtual Community Meeting Recap: 23,713 Acres Burned, 13% Contained
During today’s 6:30 p.m. virtual community meeting on the Palisades Fire, officials provided updates on the fire’s progress, ongoing firefighting efforts, and upcoming challenges. The fire has now burned 23,713 acres and is 13% contained. Over 5,123 personnel, including 44 helicopters, 540 engines, 66 bulldozers, 60 water tenders, and 115 crews, are actively working to suppress the fire.
Operations Overview
Firefighters have made significant progress in securing the fire’s edges, utilizing both aerial and ground resources. Key updates from the operations team include:
• Topanga and Surrounding Areas: The eastern portion of the fire near Topanga is stable, with firefighters conducting mop-up operations. Areas including Topanga Oaks, Sylvia Park, and the Temescal Ridge system to Mulholland are showing positive containment results. Infrared mapping has detected isolated heat sources, and crews are addressing these areas vigilantly.
• Mandeville Canyon and Westridge/Riviera Areas: Fire is holding at Mandeville Canyon Road. Resources are focusing on ensuring no heat sources remain behind structures. In the Westridge/Riviera area, crews are mitigating fire effects near structures and addressing heat sources.
• Pacific Palisades, Castellammare, and Temescal Canyon: Resources are prioritizing structure protection and vegetation clearance along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to limit fire spread. Utility companies are also beginning to repair infrastructure in the area.
• Monte Nido and Fernwood: Containment lines have been established in Monte Nido, with additional hand and dozer lines supported by retardant drops. In Fernwood, hazardous terrain has posed challenges, but crews have installed hand and hose lines and are addressing hot spots in the southern areas.
• Wind Preparations: Structure protection groups are being strategically positioned along the topside of the fire in preparation for an upcoming wind event. These crews will also be ready for initial attack on any new incidents that may arise.
Weather Forecast
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday, with the strongest winds expected Tuesday morning. The winds, combined with low humidity, pose a heightened fire risk, particularly in Monte Nido. Starting Thursday, conditions are expected to improve as a sea breeze returns and humidity levels rise into the weekend.
Given the upcoming weather challenges, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has maintained heightened staffing levels, with over 1,400 personnel committed to firefighting efforts.
Repopulation and Security
Efforts to repopulate evacuated areas are ongoing but are being delayed due to fire weather concerns. Authorities are balancing safety with the need to return residents to their homes. A nighttime curfew remains in place in evacuated areas from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
To ensure security, 104 sworn law enforcement officers and 16 California National Guard members are patrolling the area. These teams are staffing hard closures, conducting welfare checks, providing roving security, and escorting residents when necessary.
Stay Informed
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and monitor updates from local authorities. The next community meeting is expected to provide further details as firefighters continue their efforts to contain the Palisades Fire.
Fire officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation during this critical period, as the safety of residents and first responders remains the top priority.
