Personal Account of Evacuation During Palisades Fire Highlights Communication Gaps
A resident recounts the chaotic experience of fleeing the Palisades Fire, emphasizing the importance of personal preparedness and the challenges of official communication.
Kim Marshall, a 30-year resident of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, described her harrowing experience of being caught in the midst of the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025. Having previously established a personal rule to evacuate if fires in the hills burned for more than an hour, Marshall was caught off guard by the rapid progression of the blaze.
On the morning of the fire, Marshall had just returned from a business trip and was reminded by her husband that it was a "Red Flag" day. After noticing smoke and flames rapidly approaching her neighborhood, she began packing essentials. Her phone then received a "Prepare to Evacuate" alert, followed shortly by a "Evacuate" order as she backed out of her garage. The situation quickly escalated to gridlock as she emerged from the canyon, with fire visible on both sides of the hills.
Opting to leave her car, Marshall set out on foot with her dogs and essential belongings, aiming for a friend's apartment in Edgewater. However, even that location proved unsafe as flames began to engulf nearby roofs. Her subsequent attempt to find refuge at Gladstone's parking lot led to an encounter with a local news crew. During this time, her phone remained active with calls from family and friends.
Marshall was eventually assisted by a woman identified as Mel, wearing a Certified FEMA Animal Rescuer cap, who offered to drive her and her dogs to Santa Monica. Her son, watching the fire unfold remotely, informed her that the area near her car was becoming inaccessible due to flames engulfing two schools.
Mel's assistance provided a crucial lifeline, and Marshall was able to safely reach Santa Monica. Reflecting on the experience, Marshall noted the importance of personal preparedness and the challenges faced by residents during rapid wildfire evacuations.
Two weeks after the event, Marshall launched a podcast titled "L.A. Rising – Stories of Healing, Help & Hope," featuring Mel as a guest on its first episode. The experience has inspired Marshall to share stories of resilience and aid in the aftermath of disasters.