No Evacuation Orders as Fire Consumed Pacific Palisades

Los Angeles failed to issue evacuation orders during the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025, leaving residents to flee on their own as the fire rapidly consumed homes in Pacific Palisades.

Executive Summary

On January 7, 2025, as the Palisades Fire ignited and spread through Pacific Palisades, official evacuation alerts failed to reach many residents. According to eyewitness accounts and subsequent press investigations, entire neighborhoods were left without any formal warning as flames approached.

While some Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) were issued around noon, residents in the hardest-hit areas either received nothing at all or alerts only after homes were already burning. Hours after the fire began, households were still unaware of the danger, forced to self-evacuate amid traffic gridlock, smoke, and falling embers.

In summary, on the day of the fire, evacuation orders, the most critical emergency service, were delayed, inconsistent, or absent altogether.

Witness Testimony

“My neighbors and I never received an evacuation order the morning of the fire. Around noon, I realized something was wrong because the smoke was turning black and people were leaving on their own. We didn’t see a single fire truck or police officer giving directions. The city never told us to evacuate—our phones were silent. By the time we decided to leave, traffic was jammed and embers were falling on our car. Less than two hours later, our street was on fire.”

– Resident of Lachman Lane, Pacific Palisades

Supporting Sources

AP News – “Too little, too late: Residents say they were in the dark as fire spread with no evacuation order”

• Many neighborhoods, including Pacific Palisades, did not receive timely evacuation orders.
• Some residents received warnings hours after the fire began.
• External review of the alert system approved after residents’ demands.
• Citation: AP News

Associated Press – “Homes were burning and roads already jammed when Pacific Palisades evacuation order came, AP finds”

• First evacuation order for Palisades neighborhoods came ~40 minutes after homes were already burning.
• Residents and responders relied on alternative alert systems.
• Citation: AP News

PBS NewsHour – “Emergency alert systems lagged when residents needed them most during LA wildfires”

• LA County approved an external review of how alerts functioned during the Palisades and Eaton Fires.
• Citation: PBS

The Guardian – “Los Angeles to review wildfire alert systems after lethal blazes”

• County officials launched review after Palisades and Altadena fires.
• Many residents reported receiving no notifications or delayed alerts.
• Citation: The Guardian

The Wall Street Journal – “After Public-Safety Missteps in Palisades Fire, Residents Want Answers”

• Residents reported failures in evacuation guidance and lack of immediate direction.
• Community called for accountability and reforms.
• Citation: The Wall Street Journal