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On January 7, 2025, a wildfire near Pacific Palisades, California, burned approximately 200 acres, threatening homes and prompting evacuations in an upscale area of Los Angeles. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, the fire led the Los Angeles Fire Department to issue a mandatory evacuation order, affecting residents from Topanga Canyon to the coastline. Huge plumes of smoke were visible from afar as flames approached homes, with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection urging immediate evacuation. As people fled, some faced traffic congestion, complicating their escape. Prior to the fire, the National Weather Service had issued its highest alert due to extreme fire conditions, predicting wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph, with some areas experiencing even stronger winds. This combination of low humidity and dry vegetation created a high-risk environment for wildfires, described by the National Weather Service as “as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather.” In response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass activated emergency measures, mobilizing city departments to prepare for potential power outages caused by downed lines and trees. Fire officials warned residents about the risk of “explosive wildfire behavior,” despite the cooler winter temperatures.
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