Palisades fire chaos: Abandoned cars and traffic gridlock caught on video

Palisades fire: Dozens of drivers abandon their cars

LAFD officials said dozens of vehicles were abandoned at the location, and a bulldozer was used to push some of the vehicles out of the intersection to prevent them from blocking traffic in and out of the area.

LOS ANGELES - A newly released video from the Pacific Palisades fire showcases a street packed with abandoned cars, eerily resembling a scene from an apocalypse movie. The footage highlights the sheer chaos that unfolded as residents evacuated amid the fast-moving fire and gridlocked traffic.

The video, taken on an unspecified street in the Palisades, shows vehicles left behind as people opted to flee on foot. The cars, some with doors left ajar, paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by residents trying to escape the fire’s path.

How did the traffic gridlock happen?

The Pacific Palisades fire, driven by strong winds, has forced mandatory evacuations for 30,000 people. Road closures and heavy congestion have turned the area into a logistical nightmare for evacuees and emergency responders alike.

LIVE: Palisades Fire evacuations underway as wind-driven fire destroys homes

Los Angeles Fire Department officials reported that the abandoned vehicles have contributed to additional roadblocks, further complicating evacuation efforts. Traffic was gridlocked on key routes like Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard as people tried to leave the area.

Palisades Fire evacuee describes scene

"I hope we don't lose the neighborhood," she told FOX 11's Cristy Fajardo.

How severe weather is fueling the Palisades fire

The fire erupted amid powerful, potentially life-threatening winds sweeping through the region, significantly elevating wildfire risks. Red flag warnings are in effect and are expected to last until Thursday evening.

According to the National Weather Service, the windstorm is shaping up to be the most severe to hit Southern California since 2011.

What’s next for residents?

With the fire still active and dangerous winds intensifying its spread, residents are urged to monitor updates from official sources such as NotifyLA.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for a "polygon"-shaped area spanning from Merrimac Road on the northeast, west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and south to Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Emergency shelters for large animals have been set up at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 Riverside Drive, Burbank) and Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills). Small animals can be taken to the Agoura Animal Shelter.

Authorities strongly advise against returning to evacuated areas, citing hazardous road conditions and ongoing efforts by emergency crews to contain the fire.

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