Why this area is particularly at risk for firespublished at 21:11 Greenwich Mean Time
Christal Hayes
Reporting from Los Angeles
Image source, ReutersSmoke rises from a wildfire burning near Pacific Palisades
A fierce Santa Ana windstorm was forecast to bring gusts as strong as 80-100mph (128-160km/h) to the Los Angeles region today.
Those who live here in LA are used to hearing the term Santa Ana winds, which are strong, dry winds that originate from more inland, but the fierce winds coupled with dry conditions and low-humidity has created the perfect recipe for fires to ignite and grow at a rapid pace.
Officials throughout the region had been warning residents about the fire threat and emergency crews have stationed equipment and personnel throughout the region.
The region where the fire broke out is along the brush in a mountainous area that hangs over a densely populated region in the Pacific Palisades. It borders numerous communities and the popular Will Rogers State Beach.
The area is notoriously difficult to access as the main route in and out is through the Pacific Coast Highway, which could make evacuations difficult.
