Devastating Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuation in LA’s Pacific Palisades
A fierce wildfire has engulfed nearly 3,000 acres of Los Angeles’ affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, forcing a massive evacuation of 30,000 residents as emergency services battle to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
Latest updates on the Los Angeles wildfire
- A wildfire erupted midmorning in an upscale area amid a severe Southern California windstorm.
- Nearly 2 square miles are consumed in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
- Approximately 30,000 residents were ordered to evacuate.
- No deaths or injuries were reported despite the chaotic evacuation.
- State of emergency declared by Acting Mayor Marqueece Harris-Dawson
- 28,300 households were without power due to strong winds.
- President Biden briefed on the situation.
- Federal aid approved by Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Schools are being relocated due to the fire spread.
Battle against the blaze
Hundreds of firefighters have mobilized to combat the fire from both ground and air, with crews working in challenging terrain to establish firebreaks and contain the spread. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley reported that despite the intensity of the situation, no immediate casualties have been reported.
Infrastructure impact
The fire has wreaked havoc in an area known for its multimillion-dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Emergency crews have been forced to use bulldozers to clear abandoned luxury vehicles, including BMWs, Teslas, and Mercedes, from evacuation routes to maintain access for emergency vehicles.
Weather conditions
The situation has been exacerbated by seasonal Santa Ana winds, with forecasters warning this could become the worst windstorm in a decade. Wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour are expected, severely complicating firefighting efforts.
While President Biden has approved federal assistance for California’s firefighting efforts, the response has highlighted political tensions, with former President Trump’s previous threats to withhold wildfire aid from Democrat-run California being recalled. The current administration has taken swift action to provide support to the state.
Ongoing emergency response
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath confirmed that several schools are being relocated as the fire continues to spread. Emergency services remain on high alert as they work to protect lives and property in one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious neighborhoods.
The situation continues to develop as firefighters work through the night to contain the blaze and protect residential areas from further damage.