“Blazing Inferno Engulfs Hillside Neighborhoods: Encino and Brentwood Residents Flee as Palisades Fire Spreads”

**Palisades Fire: Brushfire Spreads into San Fernando Valley, Evacuation Orders Issued in Encino and Brentwood**

The Palisades Fire, a brushfire that began Friday, has spread into the San Fernando Valley, with evacuation orders issued in Encino and Brentwood. The fire, which has already burned through 21,596 acres, has prompted concerns that it could spread further into the region.

Crews from helicopters have been spraying water on the flames overnight to extinguish the fire, while relatively calm winds have helped contain its spread. According to the National Weather Service, Saturday’s fire was near Mandeville Canyon Road in Brentwood, with evacuation orders issued for large areas of Brentwood and Encino, including MountainGate Country Club and the Getty Center.

The Getty Center, one of Los Angeles’ largest art collections, has complied with the evacuation order and is currently closed, with only emergency personnel on site. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades was threatened by the Palisades Fire earlier this week but escaped largely unscathed.

Heavy smoke and ash have led to air quality warnings, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health declaring a local health emergency. The department has prohibited the use of powered leaf blowers or other devices that may stir ash and particulate matter into the air until further notice.

Public health officials advise that if you smell smoke, you should close your doors and windows to keep indoor air clean. If you must go out for an extended period, wear an N95 or P100 mask. If you experience severe shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, nausea, or unusual fatigue, you should call your doctor or go to an urgent care center.

Firefighters have been battling the blaze with relative success, but the Palisades Fire is still being monitored closely, with concerns that it could spread further into the valley. The fire has already forced the closure of the 405 Freeway near the fire, with exit ramps shut down.

**FAQs**

Q: How large is the Palisades Fire?
A: The Palisades Fire has burned through 21,596 acres.

Q: Where is the fire located?
A: The fire is located in the San Fernando Valley, near Mandeville Canyon Road in Brentwood.

Q: Why were evacuation orders issued?
A: Evacuation orders were issued for large areas of Brentwood and Encino, including MountainGate Country Club and the Getty Center, due to the fire’s proximity to these areas.

Q: What is the air quality like?
A: The air quality is poor, with heavy smoke and ash leading to air quality warnings from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Q: Why were firefighter’s hydrants dry?
A: Firefighters faced low water pressure and dry hydrants, largely due to the fact that a large reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of service, leaving a 117-million-gallon tank empty for nearly a year.

**Conclusion**

The Palisades Fire has spread into the San Fernando Valley, prompting evacuation orders in Encino and Brentwood. With air quality warnings in place and fire crews battling the blaze, residents are advised to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe. The fire has also raised questions about the preparedness and response of local authorities, with an investigation into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s handling of the fire and its impact on the community.