Palisades Brush Fire Scorches 1,300+ Acres, Arson Suspect Sought

LOS ANGELES, CA — Mandatory evacuations for about 1,000 people remain in effect for parts of Topanga Canyon after a brush fire that authorities suspect was started by arson swelled to more than 1,325 acres by Sunday afternoon.

There was zero containment of the "Palisades Fire" as of 12:52 a.m., officials said.

A new evacuation warning was issued at 2 p.m. Sunday for all homes north of Chastain Parkway in the 1500 block to Calle Del Cielo. The warning area includes Calle De Sarah, Calle Bellevista and all homes west of Calle Del Cielo and Ave Ashley up to the hills.

The fire ignited in a remote area off Michael Lane and Palisades Court around 10 p.m. Friday, according to LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange.

Evacuations were ordered in two areas both in the county of Los Angeles, but not in the city, according to L.A. County Fire Department officials.

The fire threatened area of land to the west is within the State Responsibility Area, so the L.A. County Fire Department was involved in a unified command with the Los Angeles Fire Department and Cal Fire.

On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles County Fire Department issued mandatory evacuations for homes in Zone 4 and 6 in the Topanga area.

The order includes residents east of Topanga Canyon between the Community and View Ridge, and everyone north of Entrada, south of Oakwood and east of Henry Ridge Motorway.

Residents who have evacuated but cannot find shelter should contact Red Cross Los Angeles at 323-374-3525. Large animals can be taken to Pierce College Equestrian Center, at 6201 Winnetka Ave. in Woodland Hills. Small animals can be taken to the Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Hills Road in Agoura.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed in both directions between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway until further notice due to firefighting activity. The right lane of southbound PCH was also closed between Temescal Canyon Road and Chataqua Boulevard.

The weather remained cool and moist overnight which led to calmer fire activity, officials said. However, conditions were expected to change as the vegetation in the area is very dry and has not burned in more than 50 years, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

While no official cause has been determined, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office told ABC 7 that authorities are actively looking for an arson suspect.

"Members of the sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau were searching for a person Saturday suspected of setting a brush fire that has now scorched about 750 acres and was flaring up in Pacific Palisades," Parra told NBC4.

Meanwhile, air quality officials extended a smoke advisory through at least Monday due to large amounts of smoke billowing near homes in the area and advised those who smell smoke or see ash to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

Stewart said Saturday that there were three burn areas, "the main fire, the original fire ... and a small spot fire." The terrain is very steep and extremely difficult to navigate, she said.

"Dozers are working to improve access for firefighters on the ground but much of the area remains inaccessible. This is primarily an air-based operation with both fixed wing and rotary working together."

After the marine layer blew in, the visibility became too poor for fixed-wing aircraft, which had been productive, fire officials reported. Helicopters continued to make water drops and the tankers previously succeeded at dropping retardant across the Topanga Fire Road to south along the left flank.

"The state parks are closing trails in the area because it is unsafe for hikers but cannot clear everyone due to the vast area involved," Stewart said.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway due to firefighting activity, according to Malibu Emergency Services, which noted there was no threat to Malibu though the large plume of smoke was visible.

The threatened area of land to the west is within the State Responsibility Area, so the L.A. County Fire Department was involved in a unified command with the Los Angeles Fire Department and Cal Fire.

No structures have been damaged and no injuries have been reported, Stewart said.

The City News Service contributed to this report.