Palos Fire in La Habra Heights: Evacuations and Latest Containment Updates

LA HABRA HEIGHTS, Calif. — A fast-moving brush fire burned at least one home and threatened dozens more in La Habra Heights on Monday afternoon. The Palos fire in La Habra Heights started near Las Palomas Drive, quickly spreading across dry hills. Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for nearby residents as firefighters battle the flames from the ground and air, and here’s the latest updates!

A fast-moving fire in La Habra Heights broke out on Monday

Palos Fire in La Habra Heights burns homes

The Palos Fire broke out shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday near Las Palomas Drive in the La Habra Heights area of Los Angeles County.

The fast-moving brush fire spread through a canyon and up nearby hillsides, threatening homes along the ridgeline. 

By late Monday afternoon, the fire had affected four structures, including two homes and two outbuildings. 

Video from local news showed at least two homes burning as firefighters worked to protect nearby properties. One horse was also rescued from the area.

Fire engulfs a home in La Habra Heights on Monday afternoon (Photo: KTLA-TV)

The fire initially grew to about 20 acres before more accurate mapping put the size at 17 acres.

Why can wildfires spread quickly in La Habra Heights?

La Habra Heights has a hilly landscape with steep slopes, canyons and areas of dry brush that can provide fuel for wildfires. 

When flames reach a slope, they can move uphill more quickly as heat rises and preheats vegetation above the fire. 

Wind can also change the direction and speed of a fire, making conditions harder for crews to predict. 

Homes built near hillsides and ridgelines may therefore face greater exposure when a brush fire spreads through the area. 

These geographic and environmental factors can make wildfire response more challenging in La Habra Heights. 

As the Palos Fire moved toward residential areas, evacuation warnings were issued for residents along Casalero Drive, Ardsheal Drive and W. Skyline Drive. 

Officials urged people in the affected areas to leave as flames approached homes.

Check the latest air quality in La Habra Heights as smoke from the fire may affect local conditions. 

Local officials opened a temporary shelter at the gymnasium at 1185 Hacienda Road for residents affected by the evacuation warnings.

All evacuation orders were lifted by 5:51 p.m. Monday after firefighters stopped the fire's forward progress.

Los Angeles County firefighters mounted a major response, with crews working from the canyon and along the ridgeline to contain the blaze and protect nearby properties.

The firefighting effort included about 76 units and 250 personnel, along with helitankers that dropped water on the flames. 

Firefighters also faced difficult terrain, as narrow and winding roads in La Habra Heights can limit access for emergency vehicles.

A section of Hacienda Road was closed during the response as crews worked to secure the area.

A helitanker drops water on the Palos Fire in La Habra Heights Monday (Photo: KTLA-TV)

Fire officials reported that the fire's forward progress had stopped, with containment reaching 41%.

Crews continued monitoring the perimeter and strengthening containment.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials were also assessing the damage and continuing operations in the area.

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