Wildfire Forces Tens of Thousands to Evacuate in L.A.'s Pacific Palisades as Santa Monica Faces Growing Threat

A brush fire burns near homes in upscale Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025. (Credit: AFP)

A fast-moving wildfire in Pacific Palisades, in Los Angeles, is now threatening Santa Monica, destroying homes and having already forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. The fire, which has burned nearly 3,000 acres, remains uncontained, with strong winds worsening the situation and hindering firefighting efforts.

Over 220,000 customers were without power in Los Angeles County due to safety power cuts and ongoing wildfires on Wednesday morning. Local officials have warned that the danger could escalate as wind gusts are expected to peak at speeds up to 100 miles per hour, fueling the flames and increasing the risk to nearby communities.