Frightening video shows fire tornado spinning up as Palisades Fire approaches Encino

Fire tornado spins up in Mandeville Canyon as Palisades Fire breaches the ridge toward Encino neighborhood in LA.

The Palisades Fire, which has already claimed at least five lives, continues to spread eastward toward the 405 Freeway and the San Fernando Valley. 

This expansion has led to new evacuation orders in areas like Brentwood and Encino. On Friday night, additional evacuation zones were added, including parts of Encino and Mandeville Canyon, as the fire's destructive force worsened.

Newly released video footage has shown fire tornadoes forming in Mandeville Canyon as the fire breaches the ridge, advancing closer to residential neighborhoods. In response, the Getty Center, which survived a fire in 2019, was placed under an evacuation warning as the flames approached.

Fire tornado’s spinning up on Mandeville Canyon as palisades fire breaches the ridge towards Encino. Wild stuff. pic.twitter.com/fsCGVUmwSe

— Bo H (@DBoHi_C) January 11, 2025

At present, the Palisades Fire has burned over 21,000 acres, with only 8% containment. The scale of the destruction has left residents in disbelief. Actor Dennis Quaid, who evacuated with his family, expressed shock at the fire’s reach. Many on social media also voiced their astonishment, with one user remarking on how far the fire had traveled—stretching from Pacific Palisades to Encino and Tarzana. The user noted that the fire’s unexpected path was difficult to comprehend.

My friend in Tarzana just posted this. Y'all don't understand how insane this is for the Palisades of fire to go this far, how far away Pacific Palisades is from Encino/Tarzana When I saw it on my way home from the hospital I thought it was the West Hills fire could never imagine pic.twitter.com/XYDSQvcVwC

— LilShadow (@Ms_LilShadow) January 11, 2025

As the flames moved closer to more communities, Councilmember Traci Park, whose district includes Brentwood and Mandeville Canyon, reassured residents that all necessary precautions were being taken. In an interview with NBC Los Angeles, Park stated that while the situation remained dynamic and dangerous, officials were doing everything possible to protect lives and property. She urged residents to comply with evacuation orders for their safety.

#PalisadesFire coming over the hill into encino / tarzana pic.twitter.com/hbq8li6LIH

— Mike Khristo (@MikeKhristo) January 11, 2025

The fire’s impact has been devastating, with more than 5,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and landmarks along the Pacific Coast Highway, destroyed. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has confirmed that this is one of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue to search through the charred remains of the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, which has scorched nearly 14,000 acres, remains only 3% contained, further complicating firefighting efforts across Southern California. With both fires continuing to grow, residents are being urged to stay alert and follow all evacuation instructions as officials work to control the blazes.