A home was consumed by flames Saturday morning in Mandeville Canyon as the Palisades Fire continued to spread, making this the first known residential fire in the area. Aerial footage from AIR7 captured the destruction in the 3300 block of Mandeville Canyon Road, adjacent to the MountainGate Country Club. Firefighters quickly mobilized, conducting multiple water drops to protect nearby residences from the advancing blaze.
The fire has dramatically shifted and expanded overnight, now threatening areas northeast towards Brentwood and the western San Fernando Valley. Captain Adam Van Gerpen described the situation as “our biggest threat,” emphasizing the urgency of the response with an “all hands on deck” alert.
As part of ongoing evacuation efforts, a large zone has been established, extending from the Pacific Ocean to the 405 Freeway, San Vicente Boulevard to the south, and the Encino Reservoir to the north. On Saturday morning, heavy traffic on Sunset Boulevard ensued as residents sought safety. One evacuee recounted being stuck in traffic for nearly two hours, highlighting the chaotic conditions as she transported donated supplies for firefighters.
“It’s very unfortunate that it takes something like this to bring everybody together,” shared a good Samaritan who helped another evacuee find refuge. This sentiment reflects a growing sense of community amidst the crisis, suggesting that while the circumstances are dire, they have also fostered moments of compassion and solidarity among those affected.
Currently, evacuation warnings extend in multiple directions, with authorities restricting access to several off-ramps along the 405 Freeway to manage traffic flow. As of the latest reports, the fire remains 11% contained, with approximately 5,316 structures, including 426 homes, lost to the flames. Regrettably, five fatalities have been confirmed in relation to the Palisades Fire, and around 105,000 residents are in the process of evacuation.
Despite the devastating impact of the fire, the community’s resilience shines through in the face of adversity, illustrating that even in dark times, acts of kindness can emerge.