Los Angeles: Palisades Fire Shifts East, Threatens Mandeville Canyon

Late Friday, the Palisades Fire began moving eastward, prompting fire crews to focus their efforts on the Mandeville Canyon area. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reported that the blaze is inching closer to the 405 Freeway, raising concerns for nearby communities.

“The fire has now reached the Mandeville Canyon area and is heading east toward the 405,” Capt. Adam VanGerpen told CNN. “While the Red Flag Warning for high winds expired around 6 p.m., this situation highlights how quickly fire behavior can change, even without extreme wind conditions.”

With the fire’s unexpected turn, crews are pivoting to address the growing threat in Mandeville Canyon. Ten firefighting aircraft have been redirected to the area, and two additional strike teams have been deployed, according to VanGerpen.

Although the Red Flag Warning for high winds had raised hopes for better containment earlier in the evening, VanGerpen explained that the fire in Mandeville Canyon is now being driven by the terrain rather than wind. “Thankfully, there’s not much wind up there right now, but the topography is pushing the fire forward,” he added.

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The shift in the fire’s direction underscores the unpredictability of wildfires, even in the absence of extreme weather conditions. As the fire edges closer to the 405 Freeway, authorities are urging residents in the area to stay alert and prepared for potential evacuations.

Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities, with efforts concentrated on slowing the fire’s eastward movement. The situation serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly conditions can change during wildfire season.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and follow any safety directives issued by local authorities. For now, the focus remains on containing the fire and minimizing its impact on the region.