Palisades Fire in Los Angeles: Elderly Residents Evacuated with No Shoes on While the Worst Is Still ‘Yet to Come’

The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles has caused chaos and fear, with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes.

Elderly residents were seen escaping in little more than nightwear, some even without shoes, as the fire spread uncontrollably. The situation remains dire, with officials warning that the worst is yet to come.

The fire started near Piedra Morada Drive around 10:30 a.m. and quickly grew out of control. By the evening, it had burned nearly 3,000 acres, advancing at a terrifying speed—over one football field per minute.

Powerful winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph, worsened the situation, grounding firefighting aircraft and leaving crews to battle the flames from the ground. These conditions made containment nearly impossible, as the fire jumped highways and spread unpredictably.

More than 30,000 people have been evacuated so far. Traffic jams created dangerous delays, forcing many residents to abandon their cars and run to safety on foot. Firefighters struggled to navigate blocked roads, at times needing to bulldoze vehicles out of the way to reach critical areas.

The fire’s impact extended beyond the Palisades area. In Los Angeles County, the Eaton Fire threatened Altadena and Pasadena, prompting emergency evacuations at a local elderly care facility.

Workers at The Terraces at Park Marino assisted living center evacuated around 95 residents, many in wheelchairs or on gurneys. Video footage captured seniors bundled in shawls and gowns, sitting in parking lots as fire crews worked to find safer accommodations.

Climate experts and officials have warned that conditions will likely worsen. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain explained that the combination of strong winds, dry vegetation, and low humidity creates a perfect storm for wildfires.

Governor Gavin Newsom noted that firefighting resources have been strategically positioned to respond to new fires, as more outbreaks are expected in the coming days.

Local fire departments and authorities are working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Communities are on edge, knowing that the fires remain unpredictable and the risks high.

Officials have urged residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders, emphasizing that the fight against the Palisades Fire is far from over.