The Palisades fire grew to 21,596 acres overnight, with evacuations expanding rapidly in Encino, Tarzana and Brentwood as flames threatened homes in Mandeville Canyon.
Six helicopters flew throughout the night, dropping water on the blaze as it entered its 5th day Saturday.
Containment grew from 8% to 11% overnight, according to Cal Fire.
The fire was approaching the area where the 101 and 405 freeways meet, KTLA reported. While evacuations zones were expanded, Cal Fire reported that UCLA students have not been ordered to leave, though campus residents are in high alert and were instructed to prepare essentials.
Tens of thousands of people are now under evacuation orders or warnings. The evacuation order extended throughout the Pacific Palisades to the Pacific Ocean and included parts of Santa Monica, Malibu, and Topanga.
On Saturday morning, residents and businesses in Calabasas and parts of Tarzana and Encino remained under an evacuation warning but many people left voluntarily as flames lit up nearby ridges.
On Friday evening, as the fire moved towards the San Fernando Valley, evacuation orders were expanded to include the areas from Sunset Boulevard North to Encino Reservoir, as well as the 405 Freeway West to Mandeville Canyon. The orders encompass parts of Encino and Brentwood.
Additional evacuation shelters have opened in the San Fernando Valley: The Van Nuys / Sherman Oaks Recreation Center at 14201 Huston Street in Sherman Oaks and Lanark Recreation Center at 21816 Lanark Street in Canoga Park. An evacuation site for large animals is also open in the valley at the Hansen Dam in Pacoima.
North to northeast winds are expected to gradually increase throughout the day, peaking this evening and overnight.
Authorities suspect that about 6,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed so far and will continue to assess the damage.
A “Do Not Drink” notice has been issued in the Pacific Palisades area due to heavy ash and debris that could have contaminated the water supply. The warning also applies to nearby communities north of San Vicente Boulevard that are under evacuation orders. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is distributing bottled water at the Westwood Recreation Center and the Brentwood Country Club.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more.
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