Governor Declares State of Emergency as Dangerous Winds and Fire Threaten Southern California

PACIFIC PALISADES – Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to extreme fire weather and hazardous winds sweeping across Southern California. Meeting with first responders in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Newsom emphasized the urgency of the situation as the Palisades Fire rapidly grew to over 1,260 acres, forcing thousands to evacuate.

California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to ensure sufficient resources for suppressing the blaze. The Governor also announced the deployment of additional firefighting crews, engines, and aerial support to high-risk areas, including Los Angeles, Riverside, and Ventura counties.

“This is a highly dangerous windstorm creating extreme fire risks,” Newsom said. “We’re already seeing its destructive impacts in Pacific Palisades. Follow emergency guidance and stay vigilant.”

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for “life-threatening” winds across the region, with gusts in Los Angeles County reaching up to 100 mph. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday evening.

State and local agencies have prepositioned firefighting equipment, including helicopters, water tenders, and dozers, to respond to potential outbreaks. Cal Fire resources have been strategically moved from Northern to Southern California to bolster efforts.

Safety Tips During Wildfires and High Winds

• Sign Up for Alerts: Visit ready.ca.gov for free emergency notifications.
• Evacuate Promptly: Follow warnings and evacuation orders immediately.
• Stay Inside: Avoid being outside during high winds to minimize risk from flying debris and downed power lines.
• Prepare for Outages: Have plans for medical devices, backup power, and emergency radios.

For more information on active emergencies and preparedness, visit ready.ca.gov.