Airlines Issue Flight Waivers, Attractions Close Amid Devastating Wildfires in Los Angeles — What to Know

Major airlines issued flight alerts and people in Los Angeles scrambled to evacuate as an out-of-control wildfire raged in the southern California city on Wednesday.

The Palisades Fire first broke out on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders and growing to encompass more than 2,900 acres of densely populated areas in the city, including in Santa Monica. As of Wednesday morning firefighters had not yet been able to contain the flames, which was complicated by strong wind gusts of up to 60 mph that were expected to continue through Thursday.

“Extreme fire behavior, including short and long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) wrote in an update report. “Firefighters and air resources will continue to work to protect the community, and infrastructures and gain control over fire containment.”

Several airlines issued flight waivers for the Los Angeles area, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue. Airports like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) are in the affected area.

For its part, the Hollywood Burbank Airport warned travelers “Weather conditions are impacting various flight operations today” and to check the status of their flight before heading to the airport.  

Beyond flying, several attractions in the Los Angeles area have been forced to close, including Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk. The theme park said in a statement on X it would “continue to assess the situation” and expected to open on Thursday. 

“The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority,” Universal wrote.

The Getty Center and Villa similarly closed on Wednesday “in an abundance of caution and to keep roads clear in the surrounding areas.” The museum said it would remain closed through Jan. 13.

Beyond the Palisades fire, three other wildfires continued to rage in the Los Angeles area as well: the Eaton Fire, which had so far burned more than 2,200 acres; the Hurst Fire; and the Woodley Fire.