Wildfires engulf areas near Pacific Palisades, causing mass evacuations and widespread destruction, with several injuries reported.
The devastating wildfires currently raging in California have caused widespread havoc, with a massive blaze tearing through the hills of Los Angeles’ celebrity-dense neighbourhoods. In response to the crisis, Los Angeles officials have declared a state of emergency, while thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Around 30,000 people were ordered to leave their properties as the fire ravaged the Pacific Palisades area, which lies between the coastal towns of Santa Monica and Malibu. The fire, dubbed the Palisades Fire, has already consumed nearly 3,000 acres of land. Some residents were forced to abandon their cars, fleeing on foot to escape the flames. Several individuals were reported injured, with burns to their faces and hands.
In addition to the Palisades Fire, another blaze, the Eaton Fire, ignited 30 miles inland near Pasadena, quickly expanding to 400 acres. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed the rapid spread of both fires.
Governor Gavin Newsom, who was in Southern California for the naming of a new national monument by President Joe Biden, made a detour to the affected areas. Describing the destruction, Newsom commented, “Not a few, but many structures have already been destroyed due to these swirling winds and embers.”
The fires have also impacted vulnerable populations. Nearly 100 residents of a nursing home in Pasadena were evacuated as the flames approached. Disturbing footage showed elderly residents, some in wheelchairs and others on gurneys, gathered in a smoke-filled parking lot as emergency responders rushed to assist.
A third fire, known as the Hurst Fire, erupted in Sylmar, located in the San Fernando Valley, and prompted further evacuations. Eyewitnesses described seeing homes engulfed in flames as the fire spread from Topanga Canyon down to the Pacific Ocean. Firefighters used aircraft to scoop water from the sea to combat the flames, while bulldozers cleared roads of abandoned cars to allow emergency vehicles through.
The Getty Villa, home to priceless artwork, was also in danger as the fire scorched nearby trees. However, the museum confirmed that its collection was unharmed.
Prior to the fires, the National Weather Service had issued its highest warning for extreme fire conditions in Los Angeles County, predicting wind gusts of up to 80 mph. The severity of the situation disrupted President Biden’s travel plans, as he had to postpone his trip to the Coachella Valley for a national monument ceremony due to the fires.
Actor James Woods, whose home is in the Pacific Palisades, shared on social media that he had managed to evacuate but was unsure whether his property had survived the blaze. Actor Steve Guttenberg also urged residents to prioritise safety over possessions, stressing the importance of evacuating swiftly: “It’s crucial that everyone pulls together. Don’t worry about personal property; just get out and take your loved ones with you.”
