'We Need to Get Out of Here!': Pacific Palisades Residents Describe Harrowing Escape from California Wildfires

Fire at Pacific Palisades

California firefighters are battling three major blazes in and around Los Angeles, forcing thousands of residents, including those in the upscale suburb of Pacific Palisades, to flee their homes. Amid the chaos, residents have shared harrowing accounts of their escape as flames rapidly approached their neighborhoods.

A Desperate Escape in Pacific Palisades

Pacific Palisades fire

David Latt, a resident of Pacific Palisades, described how he and his wife had only 10 minutes to grab essential documents, family photographs, and artwork before evacuating. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Latt revealed that he was initially unaware of the fires until a neighbor alerted him.

David Latt, a resident of Pacific Palisades, described how he and his wife had only 10 minutes to grab essential documents, family photographs, and artwork before evacuating.

"I didn’t even know what he was talking about," Latt recounted. "But when I stepped outside, I saw a massive plume of black smoke just four blocks away. That’s when I realized, ‘We need to get out of here!’"

Latt and his wife hurried to pack a “grab-and-go bag” with important items like passports, tax receipts, and irreplaceable family keepsakes. After assessing the fire’s direction from his roof, Latt realized the wind was driving the flames toward their home. The couple immediately fled but were caught in a two-hour traffic jam on the only road out of the area.

Map of Pacific Palisades where the fire is located.

Pacific Palisades: A Community on Edge

Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Palisades is a scenic enclave known for its winding roads and hillside homes. However, its limited access routes have become a critical challenge for residents trying to evacuate.

Latt, like many others, remains uncertain about the fate of his home. "We likely won’t know much for at least a day," he said. "The high winds expected later tonight could spread embers and spark new fires. That’s the biggest concern in Los Angeles right now."

Despite the frightening situation, Latt expressed gratitude for the swift response of firefighting aircraft, which he said gave him a small sense of hope.

Chaos on the Roads as Fires Close In

The fires, driven by winds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h), have devastated communities, destroyed homes, and forced over 30,000 people to evacuate.

In Palisades, firefighters were seen instructing evacuees to abandon their vehicles as flames edged dangerously close to stalled traffic. Marsha Horowitz, another resident, told the BBC, "The fire was right up against the cars."

Celebrities were not spared from the chaos. Actor Eugene Levy, best known for Schitt’s Creek, evacuated his home in Pacific Palisades. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Levy said, "The smoke over Temescal Canyon was intense—black and ominous. I couldn’t see flames, but the smoke was overwhelming."

Los Angeles Grapples with Widespread Power Outages and Uncertainty

As the fires rage on the northern and western outskirts of Los Angeles, over 50,000 homes are without power. Many residents have resorted to driving to areas with mobile reception to make calls or access the internet for updates.

Families with children and pets face difficult decisions. While some can see flames from their homes, they are uncertain whether they should evacuate or stay. "If we go to sleep, we’re afraid we won’t hear an evacuation alert in time," one resident shared.

A Morning Turned Apocalypse: Scenes from Santa Monica

Amrita Khalid, a journalist based in Santa Monica, described the surreal transformation of her coastal city as the fires advanced. Speaking to the BBC World Service’s Newsday, Khalid said, "The day started like any other—a normal, beautiful winter morning. But by the time I was walking home from the gym, I saw massive, black billowing clouds of smoke."

Khalid made the decision to leave for a safer location. A photo of her neighborhood later confirmed her fears. "It looked like Mars—bright red and apocalyptic," she said. "I’m glad I left. Better safe than sorry."

A Region on High Alert

The ongoing wildfires have placed Los Angeles on edge. Firefighters continue their tireless efforts to contain the blazes, but high winds threaten to ignite new infernos. Residents like David Latt and Amrita Khalid remain anxious, uncertain of what the next day will bring.

As California grapples with these devastating wildfires, officials urge residents to stay vigilant, prepare evacuation plans, and heed warnings. This unfolding disaster is yet another stark reminder of the growing risks posed by extreme weather events in the region.

Read More News:

  • Pacific Palisades wildfires
  • California wildfires evacuation
  • Los Angeles fires 2025
  • Santa Monica evacuation
  • Celebrity homes wildfire evacuation
  • Firefighting efforts in California
  • High winds and wildfires