Massive Los Angeles Wildfire Forces 30,000 to Flee as Flames Devour Pacific Palisades
Massive Los Angeles Wildfire Forces 30,000 to Flee as Flames Devour Pacific Palisades
A fast-moving wildfire in Pacific Palisades has rapidly grown to nearly 3,000 acres, prompting widespread evacuations as thousands of residents flee the danger. Fueled by strong winds, which are expected to intensify overnight, the blaze continues to spread, putting both lives and property at risk. As of 6:30 p.m., the fire had consumed more than 2,900 acres, advancing south westward.
Among the affected locations are the Getty Villa grounds and Palisades Charter High School, both of which caught fire.
The fire’s rapid growth has forced the evacuation of approximately 30,000 people from 10,000 households, with many unsure whether their homes will survive the crisis. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, addressing the media, assured residents that authorities are deploying all available resources to contain the blaze but acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation, emphasizing the community’s unity during this frightening time.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of people abandoning their vehicles as flames raced up the hillsides, destroying everything in their path, including palm trees. Some residents, like one woman who was stuck in her car, recounted the terrifying scene as the fire raged on.
Prior to the wildfire, the National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions across much of Los Angeles County, forecasting wind gusts of up to 80 mph and warning that the dry, parched vegetation could make the fire even more unpredictable. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis, with state personnel, fire trucks, and aircraft being dispatched to help fight the blaze, and preparations for other potential wildfires in the region.
In a separate development, a second fire, named the Eaton Fire, broke out about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Palisades, burning approximately 200 acres in the foothills above Pasadena. President Joe Biden has offered federal assistance to combat the Palisades fire, and a federal grant has already been approved to support California’s firefighting efforts.
Hollywood stars living in Pacific Palisades have also been caught in the turmoil. Actor James Woods managed to evacuate but is uncertain if his home survived. Actor Steve Guttenberg shared that some of his friends faced obstacles while trying to evacuate, as others had left their vehicles abandoned on the roads. He urged everyone to focus on safety and leave personal belongings behind, prioritizing the well-being of their loved ones.
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