LA County Devastated by Pacific Palisades Wildfire

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The Los Angeles Times reported that much of Pacific Coast Highway between Will Rogers State Beach just north of Santa Monica in eastern Malibu lay in ruins on Wednesday.

Large swaths of coastal homes and landmarks along the highway were devastated.

Cottages and multimillion-dollar beach palaces were gone along with longtime businesses were burned out.

Forecasters liken these conditions to a 2011 windstorm that caused $40 million in damage.

Life-Threatening Windstorm Complicates Efforts

Santa Ana winds have intensified the wildfire’s ferocity, complicating firefighting efforts. On Tuesday evening, all firefighting aircraft were grounded due to dangerous wind conditions, further straining resources. 

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley provided an update Wednesday morning, confirming that water-dropping aircraft had resumed operations to support ground crews.

LAFD Public Information Officer Margaret Stewart highlighted the strain on resources, noting that off-duty firefighters were requested to assist—a rare move in the department’s history.

Broader Implications and Community Response

Evacuation centers have been established at the Westwood Recreation Center and El Camino Real Charter High School to house displaced residents and their pets.