Favorable wind conditions and a swift, multiagency response helped keep this week’s Palisades Fire from destroying or seriously damaging any homes.
The fire, which was reported shortly before 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, eventually grew to 40 acres in size and led to the evacuation of approximately 200 homes in Pacific Palisades, with smoke visible across Malibu and into areas of Ventura County.
The fire began around 800 Palisades Drive, about a mile north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades and close to the edge of the National Parks land that separates the Palisades from Topanga.
Firefighters from the Malibu area aided in the effort to quell the flames, under a joint command headed up by Los Angeles City Fire Department.
Concern lingered that flames could spread into nearby Topanga and even eastern Malibu if winds shifted, despite reassurance by local firefighting officials.
According to statements made by LACo Fire Deputy Chief Tony Marrone during a press conference a little before 1 p.m., “…for [unincorporated] LA County residents: currently no threat from this fire. Specifically, any residents in LA County who live in Topanga Canyon—they’re safe.”
Los Angeles County firefighters were aiding LAFD in the firefighting effort on Monday, including loaning aircraft and ground crews to help clear brush.
In a press conference just after 3:30 Monday afternoon, LAFD officials confirmed two injuries had been reported due to the ongoing Palisades Fire.
One firefighter was reported injuries with no more details being provided. One civilian sought medical attention, complaining of respiratory problems. Both were reported to be minor.
An evacuation center for those Palisades residents evacuated from the fire was opened Monday afternoon at Pacific Palisades Recreation Center, 851 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades. By 9 p.m. Monday, evacuated Palisades residents were permitted to return home and the center was closed.
The fire had reportedly reached about 40 acres by 3:30 p.m. Monday, with conditions remaining favorable. The fire did not reportedly grow any since that time. However, Palisades Fire joint command reported wind conditions were shifting and could pose an issue later on in the week.
Firefighter personnel were predicted to remain on scene mopping up the blaze for at least 48 more hours (as of 3:45 p.m. Monday).
Continuing dry, windy conditions were predicted beginning Wednesday and lasting through the end of the week, raising concerns that remaining embers could reignite and spread the fire, which as of Tuesday morning was 10 percent contained.
