By Theresa Braine | New York Daily News
The Brentwood neighborhood of Vice President Kamala Harris has been evacuated due to the encroaching Palisades fire, her spokesman said Wednesday.
“Last night, the Vice President’s neighborhood in Los Angeles was put under an evacuation order,” Harris spokesperson Ernesto Apreza wrote on X Wednesday morning, noting that she and President Biden were closely monitoring all the fires. “No one was in her home at the time. She and the Second Gentleman are praying for the safety of their fellow Californians, the heroic first responders, and Secret Service personnel.”
L.A. firefighters were congruently battling what appeared to be a spot fire that broke out in Brentwood itself, apparently started by burning embers lofted by the fierce winds fueling the Palisades Fire, according to the LAFD. It was reported around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Palisades fire had torched nearly 15,800 acres by Wednesday afternoon and was 0% contained, according to Cal Fire. It’s just one of several burning in the L.A. area.
At least five people have died, more than 1,000 homes have burned or are under threat, including those of numerous celebrities, and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated. The Screen Actors Guild canceled the SAG Awards live nomination ceremony that had been planned for Wednesday.
Both Harris and Biden released statements expressing support and extending condolences to those in the fires’ path.
“As a proud daughter of California, I know the damage that wildfires have on our neighbors and communities,” Harris said in a statement from the White House. “I also know that the impact is often felt long after the fire is contained. As we respond and as Californians recover, I will ensure that our administration is in constant contact with state and local officials.”
Wire services contributed to this report.