Evacuation orders have been expanded in Los Angeles as the Palisades fire, now covering 21,596 acres, continues to grow due to a resurgence of Santa Ana winds. The fire has already claimed 11 lives, displaced over 200,000 people, and destroyed more than 10,000 homes and structures.

The Los Angeles Fire Department issued immediate evacuation orders Friday evening for areas stretching from Sunset Boulevard to the Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway to Mandeville Canyon. These include parts of Brentwood and Encino, some of LA’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Fire officials reported a significant flare-up on the eastern side of the Palisades fire, which is pushing the blaze northeast. Capt. Erik Scott of the LA Fire Department confirmed the situation is becoming more dangerous.

Brentwood’s Mandeville Canyon Road, a narrow two-lane access point, poses challenges for emergency responders and residents trying to flee. Evacuation orders also cover the Getty Center, known for its priceless art collection, which is now closed except for emergency staff.

The fires have severely degraded air quality across Los Angeles County, leading to a public health emergency declaration. Hazardous smoke and ash particles have raised immediate and long-term health risks. Authorities advise wearing masks when outdoors for extended periods in affected areas.

The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West LA has evacuated residents from its community living facility as a precaution. The J. Paul Getty Trust has also taken steps to protect the Getty Museum and its contents.

The Palisades fire is only 8% contained, while the Eaton fire in Pasadena and Altadena is at 3%. Smaller wildfires, including the Kenneth, Hurst, Lydia, and Archer fires, are under better control, though some are suspected to have been deliberately started.

Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into LA County’s water management after it was revealed that the Santa Ynez reservoir, a key water source, was offline for maintenance when the fires began. This led to low water pressure in some hydrants, complicating early firefighting efforts.