A destructive wildfire is rapidly expanding in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, putting over 30,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders. Shluchim in the area evacuated with community members, as the status of their Chabad Houses remains unknown.
By Anash.org Reporter
Fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and dry weather, a “life-threatening and destructive” wildfire is rapidly expanding in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. As of 7:15 PM PST, the fire has grown to cover approximately 2,921 acres, putting over 30,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders. The evacuation zone stretches from the Pacific Palisades to the Santa Monica border.
Over 13,000 structures are currently under threat. More than 250 firefighters, supported by five helicopters, are on the ground battling the flames. Pre-deployed strike teams, air tankers, water-dropping helicopters, and even off-duty personnel have been called in to aid firefighting efforts. Severe traffic gridlock has complicated evacuations, with some residents abandoning their vehicles and escaping on foot. Bulldozers have been deployed to clear abandoned cars, creating paths for emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment. Fortunately, as of now, no injuries have been reported.
Rabbi Shalom Ber Diskin, who serves as the Youth Program and Camp Director at Chabad Palisades, who is on site, recounted his experience with Anash.org: “This morning, we woke up to hurricane-style winds expected to reach up to 100 mph in some areas. The winds started at 10 AM and are expected to continue until 7 AM tomorrow. Around 10:45, people began noticing ashes and smoke in the sky. Here in California, this is fairly common during wildfire season, as fires as far as 150–200 miles away can still result in visible smoke and ash.”
Initially, he and others didn’t think much of it. “But then our security guard realized the fire was approaching at an alarming speed,” he said. Living near a national park with dense trees, he described how the combination of high winds and the fire’s intensity caused it to spread rapidly. “Within an hour, houses were already on fire.”
Rabbi Diskin recounted how he rushed home and evacuated safely. “Baruch Hashem, all the shluchim are safe. At this time, we don’t have confirmed information about losses. The latest reports indicate the fire reached our parking lot, burning several Chabad vehicles and storage units. We haven’t seen or heard of any confirmed damage to our building yet.” His personal residence, located near the Chabad center, is also under threat, but he noted there are no concrete updates aside from an unconfirmed report that it might have been affected.
Video footage captures the fire raging on Sunset Boulevard near Chabad Palisades, with cars visibly burning in the parking lot as fire trucks work tirelessly to extinguish the flames and protect the area.
Another widely circulated video shows several large menorahs near flames, with a sign reading “Friendship Circle” visible in the background. Rabbi Diskin clarified that this footage does not show the Chabad House itself but rather their storage area.
Despite the challenges, Rabbi Diskin expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Right now, we are safe and out of the city, Baruch Hashem. Our phones haven’t stopped ringing with people checking in, offering places to stay, and asking how they can help. The shluchim have been helping others evacuate, especially seniors in their units. We remain optimistic. With G-d’s help, we will emerge from this stronger and continue building our thriving community.”
Alex, a community member whose children have attended Chabad schools in both Boston and Los Angeles, shared her experience of the fire’s impact with Anash.org. “My young child was evacuated from PJECC Chabad Palisades this morning around 10:30 AM. They are luckily right across the street from the LAFD station in Palisades, who always gives them the earliest warning to keep them safe and has a great relationship with them. The firefighters often host the kids for field trips, and I am so grateful for them and how they protect us and the neighborhood.”
Alex also described the personal toll of the fire. “My mom’s house is presumed lost. We watched the fire come into the backyard until the Ring cameras were disconnected. She lives near the Getty Villa, on the other side of the hill from the Chabad. I am praying so hard that good news will find us about the facility. It is the most beautiful gan, a truly magical place that we love so deeply and have had so many meaningful experiences at.”
As of now, a special fundraiser has not been established to raise funds for the damages. However, anyone wishing to help cover the damages or support the future of their activities can donate at https://www.chabadpalisades.com/templates/donate_cdo/aid/4970020/jewish/Donate.htm.
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