June 30, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Fire on the Horizon: What to Do in an Emergency Evacuation

By Jennifer Eden

 

With the nearby Skirball Fire and gusty Santa Ana winds on Santa Monica’s doorstep, and Malibu flare-ups occurring, residents are being advised to be prepared in case of emergency. Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) is on high alert with brush-clearing prevention work Fire on the Horizon: What to Do in an Emergency Evacuatioin full force in an effort to limit damage should fire occur.

“A team of firefighters were deployed overnight until early morning on Thursday conducting a safety patrol of the Santa Monica monitoring for fire and embers with the increased winds and the uncontained Skirball Fire,” said SMFD Fire Captain Patrick Nulty. “This was a preventative measure and it’s important that residents stay vigilant and take measures to dispose of combustible material around their homes and stay alert of the current conditions.”

The City is advising all residents to be aware of changing conditions.

“We ask that residents and visitors closely monitor updates and avoid the fire areas to allow emergency responders the access they need,” Lindsay Barker, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Santa Monica told The Mirror. “Take this time to prepare your home, build a kit of supplies, and have a plan with your friends and family.”

The fires saw L.A. City quickly implement the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)’s “Ready Set Go” action plan, and according to the City, Santa Monica would do the same.

“If there’s potential for evacuation, residents in a defined area would be put on “evacuation advisory” similar to areas west of the 405 Freeway, east of Mandeville Canyon Road, north of Sunset Blvd,” the City said, explaining the Ready Set Go plan.

Ready entails disposing of combustible material around your home and trimming trees and bushes.

Set consists of preparation measures such as putting together a “Go-Kit” (medication, documents, supplies), creating an action plan with family and neighbors, including practice exit plans, and signing up for emergency notifications and alerts via social media.

Go means go. Get your Go-Kit and leave well before the threat approaches. Stay aware of the situation and stick to your plan. Cooperate with local authorities, including the re-entry process.

To be prepared and create your own action plan head to wildlandfireRSG.org.

If there is an imminent threat to Santa Monica and evacuation is mandatory, law enforcement will notify all residents similar to the efforts seen in the current wildfire evacuations across the region, the City said.

An SMAlert will also be issued to all residents and businesses in the impacted area. This evacuation message will go out to landlines that are registered in public records as well as all cell phones and e-mail addresses that are registered with SMAlerts, Santa Monica’s mass notification system.

To receive SMAlerts register at smalerts.net.

“Public Safety notices have currently been used throughout the wildfire incidents to notify the Santa Monica public about local cancellations, weather-related hazards, and traffic information,” the City said.

Local facilities including Westwood Rec Center have been transformed into emergency shelters with supplies and volunteers from Red Cross on hand. Should Santa Monica be evacuated, residents will be notified via SMAlerts and online of which evacuation centers are available.

Photos: Morgan Genser
Three Papa John employees from the Westwood store donate pizzas for people who had to evacuate.
Kevin Shima and Kat Shamoo from the American Red Cross, look over the food on hand at Westwood Rec Center.

Cots are set up inside the North Gym at the Westwood Recreation Center as the gym turns into an American Red Cross shelter for those who evacuated due the Skirball fire.

A fire-red sunset captured Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Palisade’s Park ended a day of rigorous fire-fighting on several fronts.
<>Related Posts

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Suspect Charged by Los Angeles DA with Shooting of Santa Monica Cop and Teens

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Faces Attempted Murder Charges and Over 100 Years to Life in Prison if Convicted. Criminal charges have been filed against...