Las Virgenes Unified School District has decided to close all schools within the district on Wednesday, January 8th, due to a fast-spreading wildfire in the Pacific Palisades. This decision also comes from a power shutoff at several LVUSD schools on behalf of Southern California Edison and an evacuation warning for the city of Calabasas and surrounding areas.
“Out of an abundance of caution, all LVUSD schools will be closed tomorrow,” according to LVUSD via text.
The brush fire in the Pacific Palisades broke out at 10:10 a.m. local time and has since spread nearly 3,000 acres. Over 10,000 households and 13,000 structures have been threatened due to the fire. With winds up to 80 miles per hour blaring in LA County, they act as a super-spreader to the brush fire.
“Our team will maintain ongoing communication with fire and safety officials. We will provide further information by tomorrow evening,” said LVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Dan Stepenosky via email.
“Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued from Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to PCH,” says the LA Times. “Topanga Canyon Beach and Tuna Canyon Park in Los Angeles County are also under mandatory evacuation orders.”
The major road closures are Southbound PCH at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Las Flores Canyon Road, and Coastline Drive. Evacuation shelters include Pierce College, Westwood Recreation Center, and an emergency evacuation center for large animals has been put in place at the LA Equestrian Center.
Fire officials have warned residents near evacuation areas to be prepared to move quickly, even before an order has been put in place. If in an evacuation zone, residents are advised to take only what’s necessary (prescription medication, crucial documents, etc.). The fire is moving unpredictably and is not expected to be contained soon.
There is also a fire in Pasadena that has spread to 200 acres and a brush fire in Ladera Heights which has spread to 5 acres, and has been named the Eaton fire.
“We’re going to have the most significant wind event between 10 p.m. this evening and 5 a.m.,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.
The fires have greatly affected significant structures, mainly Palisades Charter High School, whose campus has burned. The Getty Villa’s vegetation has burned, but the museum’s collection remains safe.
The total damages caused by the Pacific Palisades fire will remain unknown until the winds die down and the LA County firefighters are able to contain the fire. Many schools within the affected area and the surrounding evacuation orders have been closed, and more information about road closures and evacuations will be available in the morning after the wind surge. As of tonight, the fire is contained at 0%.
