LA County Sheriff Department posted this photo of the evacuation with smoke from the Woolsey Fire over Malibu. Credit: Grant Denham
PaliHi Site for Woolsey Fire Evacuees
The Woolsey Fire, which started November 8 in Simi Valley, jumped the 101 Freeway and reached the Pacific Ocean yesterday, is zero percent contained. The fire has burned more than 70,000 acres as of 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 10.
Residents have been evacuated from Malibu and parts of Topanga Canyon, and one of the nearest Red Cross Centers is located at Palisades High School, 15777 Bowdoin St.
Most evacuations are expected to stay in place, because the Santa Ana winds are predicted to return tomorrow, Sunday, and last through Tuesday.
According to AccuWeather, “the blaze burned around Pepperdine University [in Malibu]. No permanent structures have been lost, and a shelter-in-place protocol was put in place for all individuals on campus, according to the university.”
“On Saturday morning, Pepperdine lifted its shelter-in-place order once flames on hillsides near campus were extinguished. The University community is safe and individuals are free to move about the campus.”
Cot and seating areas are set up in the small gym at Palisades High School Red Cross Shelter.
At PaliHi, Red Cross volunteers had set up cots and checked in those who needed shelter. Evacuees are staying in the small gym and are allowed to bring pets as long as they have a cage for their animal. Pet owners can take their pets for walks outside on the campus.
One volunteer said that they had received numerous donations of food and water from local residents. “We’re getting a lot of stuff we don’t need right now,” Michael, a volunteer said. “If people really want to help, tell them to call the Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) and donate money.”
There is Wi-Fi, for those who have phones and computers.
The City of Santa Monica issued the following alert that community/cultural activities would be cancelled because of the heavy smoke: “Limit exposure to outdoor air, remain indoors with windows/doors closed, avoid vigorous physical activity.”
Volunteers say there is plenty of food and drinks for evacuees at the Red Cross site and that people who want to help can donate cash to the Red Cross.