By Lookout Staff

January 8, 2025 -- City officials have extended the Evacuation Order issued for the area north of San Vicente Boulevard on Wednesday to include areas north of Montana Avenue between 11th Street and PCH.

The wildfires that have been raging in Pacific Palisades since Tuesday pose an "immediate threat to life," Officials said in an alert.

"This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is closed to public access."

An additional Evacuation Warning has been issued for all areas north of Wilshire Boulevard to Montana Avenue from 10th Street to PCH.

An existing Evacuation Warnings north of Montana Ave between 26th Street and 11th Street remains in effect.

In the warning areas, the most devastating wildfire in Los Angeles history poses a "potential threat to life and/or property."

"Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets should leave now," City officials warned.

All Santa Monica public schools will be closed Thursday "due to ongoing safety concerns, poor air quality and road closures," District officials said.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families," officials said.

District officials have not decided whether schools in the city will be closed on Friday.

Decisions to close schools "are guided by specific criteria, including whether a school is located in an evacuation zone" and "general safety concerns."

The determination also can be made if "air quality is anticipated to exceed hazardous levels as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SoCal AQMD)."

For a list of resources for families and staff affected by wildfires click HERE

On Wednesday, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the State of California to supplement recovery efforts in the areas "affected by wildfires and straight-line winds from Jan. 7, 2025, and continuing."

The action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Los Angeles County.

Assistance can include "grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster."

Area residents who have been evacuated due to the Palisades Fire can also get discounts at many Santa Monica hotels by showing their residential address with an I.D. at check-in, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) announced Wednesday.

For a list of participating hotels, click HERE

For more information or to book a room, those interested should contact the hotel directly. Prices are subject to availability and change without notice. The hotel will need to confirm the final price and availability when a reservation is made.