The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued a new immediate evacuation order on Friday at 7 pm local time for the Palisades fire. This order impacts the areas spanning from Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway West to Mandeville Canyon. Previously under an evacuation warning, this area is now under an immediate evacuation order.
US officials have declared a public health emergency due to the California fires. The LA Department of Public Health has declared a local health emergency and issued a public health officer order in response to the ongoing critical fire events and windstorm conditions. This order applies to all areas of Los Angeles County.
The department stated that the fires, combined with strong winds, have significantly impacted air quality by releasing hazardous smoke and particulate matter, posing immediate and long-term health risks to the public. It advises individuals who must be outdoors in smoky conditions for extended periods in areas with heavy smoke or ash to wear an N95 or P100 mask.
As wildfires in the Los Angeles area have intensified, Mayor Karen Bass was abroad as part of the US delegation attending the inauguration of Ghana’s new president. Upon her return, the fires had ravaged thousands of acres, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and claimed at least 11 lives. Mayor Bass faced criticism and questions from within and outside LA regarding her absence during the crisis.
Residents of Los Angeles, enduring one of the region’s worst disasters in decades, questioned the timing of the mayor’s return. Critics raised concerns over the city’s response and preparedness, particularly regarding resources for the unhoused population amidst the wildfire smoke. Mayor Bass defended her actions at a press conference, citing the unprecedented nature of the fires.
Mayor Bass, LA’s first female and second Black mayor, assumed office during a tumultuous period in the city. While facing challenges regarding trust in leadership, she has been credited for her pragmatic approach to governance. However, recent events have strained public goodwill towards her administration.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex visited evacuees in Los Angeles, distributing food and meeting with emergency workers. The royal couple reside in California, approximately 90 miles from Los Angeles, and have been involved in supporting those affected by the fires.
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) has warned students to prepare for a possible evacuation due to the Palisades fire. UCLA emphasized that this is not an evacuation alert but urged students to remain vigilant and ready to evacuate if necessary. The campus, spanning over 419 acres with up to 40,000 students, remains on high alert.
The west Los Angeles VA Medical Center has relocated residents from its community living facility as a precautionary measure due to the proximity of the Palisades fire. The medical center, providing healthcare services to armed forces veterans, is ensuring the safety and comfort of affected residents during this transition.
Across Los Angeles, more than 144,000 people are under evacuation orders as firefighters battle multiple wildfires across the region. The fires have caused extensive damage to buildings, businesses, and have claimed lives.
The Palisades fire has burned over 21,000 acres, impacting homes, businesses, and landmarks in Pacific Palisades, along the Pacific Coast Highway, and Malibu. As of the latest update, the fire is 8% contained, according to California authorities.
