An Instagram user’s video appears to show the Palisades Fire a short time after it ignited and before it threatened hundreds of homes in Pacific Palisades on Monday.
The footage was shot around 10:40 a.m. on Palisades Drive, according to the account Colin’s Pack. It shows a small fire burning in brush along the road.
The Instagram user commented to KTLA that he dialed 911 and was transferred to a Los Angeles Fire Department dispatcher, who said they had already received another call about the blaze.
The Palisades Fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. in the 500 block of Palisades Drive, officials said.
Soon after, the flames raced up the hill and burned dangerously close to a number of multimillion-dollar homes. So far, fire officials have identified eight damaged structures, according to LAFD.
The fire had threatened more than 625 homes as it ignited brush and trees in backyards. Aerial video showed the roof of at least one house was singed before firefighters gained control over it, but officials say no buildings were destroyed.
As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, the blaze had scorched 40 acres and was 30% contained, LAFD said. The flames failed to consume any new land during the day Tuesday.
More than 600 homes were evacuated Monday, but residents were allowed to return to their houses that same day.
10/22/19 8:00 PM Update: #PalisadesFire #PacificPalisades; 40 acres; 30% contained. In advance of anticipated #RedFlag Fire Weather conditions, firefighters continue to work in extremely steep terrain to ensure flareups do not move past control line.
🔗https://t.co/Sjpe4kNCmU pic.twitter.com/robBZr5Pvt
— LAFD (@LAFD) October 23, 2019
Two people were injured, a first responder and a civilian; their conditions were not immediately provided.
About 295 personnel from multiple agencies were assigned fight the fire as of Tuesday night, according to LAFD.
Crews said they would remain on scene overnight to ensure the flames don’t cross control lines and hot spots don’t ignite on the steep hillsides.
Although there were multiple flare ups from smoldering debris during the day Tuesday, firefighters were able to make progress with continuous water drops, LAFD said.
Firefighters are working to increase containment ahead of another forecast Santa Ana event, with winds expected to increase throughout Southern California on Wednesday night, according to the Fire Department.
Winds were not a factor in Monday’s fire, which was primarily topography-driven, officials said.
Arson investigators are trying to determine what sparked the blaze, and a cause remains unknown.
