The Palisades fire in California has escalated rapidly, sparking new evacuation orders as thousands of residents face growing danger. Firefighters are struggling to contain the flames, with the fire spreading across 21,596 acres by Saturday morning, up from 19,978 acres the day before. The situation has become dire, and authorities are issuing evacuation orders for areas including the Brentwood neighborhood, home to the Getty Center.
Since the fire started, over 5,300 structures have been destroyed, and at least two lives have been lost. The fire continues to threaten more properties, though the number of structures in immediate danger has decreased slightly, from 13,306 to 12,250. Firefighters have made some progress in containing the blaze, with containment rising from 6 percent to 11 percent in just one day.
Despite the efforts of fire crews, the wildfire remains a massive threat. Helicopter teams have been working overnight, using water drops to suppress the flames, while winds have remained relatively calm, aiding their efforts. However, officials remain concerned as the fire spreads closer to densely populated areas.
The Palisades fire is one of six active fires in Los Angeles, with several others also causing significant damage. Among them, the Eaton fire has killed five people and destroyed 972 structures. The Kenneth fire in Calabasas is 80 percent contained, while the Hurst fire is 76 percent contained.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are closely monitoring the weather. Santa Ana winds, which are expected to increase over the weekend, could reignite the flames and cause further destruction. The battle to contain these devastating fires is ongoing, with residents and emergency crews bracing for more challenges in the days to come.