Wildfires spread in Los Angeles, prompting mandatory evacuations, as Santa Ana winds expected to intensify

Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds gusting to 80 miles per hour, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions, wildfires erupted Tuesday in Southern California, threatening homes in Pacific Palisades.

The Palisades Fire sprang to life Tuesday morning in the hills north of Malibu, leading officials to issue evacuation orders for thousands of residents.

“In preparation for high winds, LAFD pre-deployed strike teams in and near areas prone to wildfire,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a message posted to social media. “Firefighters are now actively and aggressively responding to the #PalisadesFire with support from regional partners. Angelenos in the area are urged to heed evacuation warnings.”

The National Weather Service has upgraded the wildfire risk to much of the Los Angeles area to “extremely critical,” the most serious designation, through Wednesday morning.

Here are the latest developments.