More than 30,000 residents fled their homes as wildfires tore through upscale areas of Los Angeles overnight, including Pacific Palisades, where flames engulfed properties and scorched hillsides. Hollywood celebrities were among those evacuating as the inferno destroyed buildings, consumed nearly 3,000 acres, and injured several people, authorities said on Wednesday.
The fire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Roads in affected areas were jammed as residents, some abandoning their vehicles, scrambled to escape. Actor Steve Guttenberg described scenes of chaos, urging people to prioritise safety over possessions. The Pacific Palisades lies between the beach towns of Santa Monica and Malibu, a home to many film and music stars.
The blaze, dubbed the Palisades Fire, is one of at least three major wildfires raging across Los Angeles County. A second fire, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, rapidly grew to 1,000 acres, forcing evacuations, including residents of a nursing home. A third fire, the Hurst Fire in Sylmar, has expanded to 500 acres, prompting additional evacuations.
Over 210,000 homes and businesses were left without power, and multiple injuries, including burns and a head injury to a female firefighter, were reported. No fatalities have been confirmed. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley had earlier said that more than 25,000 people in 10,000 homes were threatened.
Firefighting crews worked through the night, using aircraft to drop water and bulldozers to clear blocked roads. The Getty Villa Museum reported minor damage to its grounds but said its priceless art collection was safe due to preventive measures.
The National Weather Service has issued its highest alert for fire conditions, warning of worsening weather through Thursday. With low humidity and dry vegetation, the situation remains critical. Governor Newsom confirmed federal grants to support firefighting efforts, while President Joe Biden offered additional federal assistance after being briefed on the crisis.
The wildfires have disrupted daily life, forcing evacuations in Malibu and Santa Monica, and grounding Air Force One, delaying President Biden’s planned trip to Coachella Valley for a monument dedication.
Local officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and use emergency shelters as firefighters continue battling the blazes amid one of the most severe fire weather conditions in recent history.
