Palos Fire Burns in La Habra Heights, Destroying Structure

A brush fire known as the Palos Fire broke out Monday afternoon in the hills of La Habra Heights, California, destroying at least one structure and threatening others as it burned through approximately 20 acres. The blaze prompted evacuation warnings for several neighborhoods and required a significant emergency response. The fire started shortly before 2:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of Las Palomas Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. By 4:15 p.m., it had consumed about 20 acres and was spreading at a moderate rate, officials said. Firefighters declared a second alarm, allocating 76 units and 250 personnel to the incident, including helitankers. The fire burned in a canyon and moved up the canyon walls, with some crews hiking down to contain the flames while others defended homes along an adjacent ridgeline. Narrow roads in the area complicated firefighting access, according to a fire department spokesperson. At least one structure was confirmed destroyed, with other reports indicating at least three structures were burned. Evacuation warnings were issued for zones in La Habra Heights and Hacienda Heights, and at least six homes were evacuated.