Palisades Fire threatens Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley

Palisades Fire threatens Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley

Palisades Fire threatens Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley

Palisades Fire Threatens San Fernando Valley as Evacuations Expand

The Palisades Fire, now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history, edged closer to the San Fernando Valley on Friday, alarming residents as it approached within two miles of Tarzana’s Braemar Country Club and nearby communities.

Sky5 footage revealed flames advancing toward Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains, where aerial firefighting crews are deploying slurry lines to slow its northern progression. "The fire is uncomfortably close," reported Sky5's Gil Leyvas, heightening concerns among Valley residents.

By Friday night, the fire had scorched 21,596 acres and was only 8% contained. Tens of thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders or warnings, spanning Pacific Palisades to the Pacific Ocean, as well as parts of Santa Monica, Malibu, Topanga, Calabasas, Tarzana, and Encino.

The fire, which began Tuesday morning, was rapidly spread by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, devastating residential and commercial areas in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Officials estimate over 5,000 structures, primarily homes, have been destroyed, with damages projected in the tens of billions of dollars.

Evacuation warnings were extended Friday afternoon to neighborhoods west of the 405 Freeway as firefighters braced for worsening conditions.

The Palisades Fire has claimed five lives, including one individual found in the rubble of a burned building in Malibu. It is among 11 fatalities linked to two Southern California wildfires, including the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena.

Cal Fire warns that the fire will likely continue to grow, driven by topography and strong Santa Ana winds. Firefighters anticipate challenging conditions through next week, with critical fire weather expected to persist due to weak to moderate winds, which may strengthen by Tuesday.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Live updates will continue as the situation develops.