LA HABRA HEIGHTS, Calif. Fire crews were continuing to monitor the Palos Fire after flames raced through hillside terrain near La Habra Heights on Monday, September 14, damaging structures and prompting evacuation warnings across parts of southeastern Los Angeles County.
The wildfire began Monday afternoon near Lupin Hill Road and Las Palomas Drive in the Whittier and La Habra Heights area. Early reports placed the fire at about 10 acres before it expanded as flames moved through steep terrain near residential neighborhoods.
By a CAL FIRE update issued at 5:56 p.m., the Palos Fire was reported at 17 acres with 41 percent containment. Officials listed four structures as damaged and reported injuries to one civilian and one firefighter. The cause remained under investigation.
The fire created tense moments for residents as flames approached homes in the hills. Evacuation warnings were issued for several zones surrounding the fire, with authorities urging residents to remain prepared in case conditions changed.
The affected area sits near the Puente Hills Preserve and residential sections of La Habra Heights, where winding roads, hillside properties and vegetation can complicate firefighting operations. Earlier in the afternoon, authorities reported that structures were being impacted as aircraft and ground crews worked the incident.
Firefighters attacked the blaze from both the ground and air while working to prevent the flames from spreading deeper into surrounding neighborhoods.
The incident comes during another active period for California firefighters. CAL FIRE listed several active wildfires around the state as crews continued operations through September.
Residents around La Habra Heights and neighboring communities should continue following official Los Angeles County emergency information because acreage, containment figures and evacuation conditions can change as firefighters complete additional assessments.
As of the latest official update available overnight, the Palos Fire remained active and its cause was still being investigated.
