Local News
Multiple homes burning on El Hito in Pacific Palisades
PACIFIC PALISADES, — A fast-moving fire has devastated multiple homes on El Hito Drive in Pacific Palisades, prompting urgent firefighting efforts and heightened concerns about its spread into nearby areas, including Meskill Canyon.
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) confirmed that several homes on El Hito Drive have been engulfed in flames, with crews working tirelessly to contain the blaze. At one residence located at 1226 El Hito Drive, firefighters rescued an individual who was trapped inside. The condition of the rescued person has not been disclosed.
Firefighters have expressed concern about the fire potentially advancing into Meskill Canyon, a development that could significantly exacerbate the situation. Additional firefighting resources have been requested to combat the growing threat.
As first responders work to manage the blaze, traffic disruptions have compounded the challenges. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reports indicate that approximately 100 abandoned vehicles are blocking all lanes on Sunset Boulevard, further hindering emergency operations. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area entirely to facilitate access for first responders.
Due to President Joe Biden’s ceremonial signing event at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Air Force One is currently stationed at the airport, restricting airspace in the region. This has prevented news helicopters from providing aerial coverage of the fire. Calls have been made for a pooled helicopter feed to improve situational awareness for both responders and the public.
Evacuations are ongoing in the affected neighborhoods as firefighters work to protect lives and property. Residents are urged to heed all evacuation orders immediately and prioritize their safety. An evacuation center has not yet been announced but is expected to be established shortly as conditions develop.
The situation remains fluid as firefighting efforts continue. Los Angeles County Fire Department and LAPD are expected to provide further updates as the fire’s behavior and containment efforts evolve.
Residents in the area are encouraged to monitor official channels and have their emergency evacuation plans ready. For updates on traffic and road closures, follow the LAPD and LACoFD on social media or tune into local news.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.