Pacific Palisades fire prompts warning from captain: "We're in for a fight"

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Captain Sheila Kelliher warned that firefighters are "in for a fight tonight" while battling the Pacific Palisades wildfire.

Why It Matters

The fire that ignited Tuesday morning has ballooned to engulf more than 1,200 acres as of 8:51 p.m. ET, according to the LAFD. Evacuations are in place for Pacific Palisades up to the border of Santa Monica and extending to the mountains of Topanga State Park.

The evacuation map is posted in the LAFD alert. Residents, including actor James Woods and other celebrities, have evacuated from the fire's path. Smoke could also be seen from Los Angeles as fierce Santa Ana winds rip through Southern California.

What To Know

The blaze is considered a "near worst-case scenario," according to meteorologist Paul Deanno, noting the winds.

Kelliher said while speaking to CNN's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday that "it's going to be a long night. Everything that the weather service has been saying is that we are going to have the peak of the wind event from 10 p.m. our time (PT) to 6 a.m. So, we're in for a fight tonight."

"The last update it was 1,200 acres but I'm sure it's gotten bigger than that," Kelliher said. "We don't have a number of structures lost, but just listening to the radio, there are plenty structures that are on fire. This is a tough one."

California Governor Gavin Newsom has also issued a state of emergency, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Newsweek attempted to reach the LAFD via phone on Tuesday night for comment but could not reach a person or voicemail box.

What People Are Saying

Newsom posted to X on Tuesday regarding the state of emergency: "I've proclaimed a state of emergency to support the communities impacted by the #PalisadesFire. Southern California residents: stay vigilant, take all necessary precautions, and follow local emergency guidance."

FoxLA Reporter Matthew Seedorff posted to X on Tuesday: "This fire is out of control and ripping through Pacific Palisades, CA. At least 20 homes destroyed from what I've seen, but maybe more. #PalisadesFire #PacificPalisades #California."

CBS Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti said on X: "It's heartbreaking to witness the loss of a vibrant community. So many landmarks have already been lost to the Palisades Fire and sadly the worst is yet to come. So far the fire has not reached the Palisades Village - the main shopping area, but flames are blocks away."

What Happens Next

The high wind warning is in place until 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.