Los Angeles: A swiftly escalating wildfire tore through an upscale area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, destroying homes and creating massive traffic congestion as 30,000 residents were forced to flee under vast plumes of smoke blanketing much of the city.
Authorities reported that at least 2,921 acres (1,182 hectares) of the Pacific Palisades region—nestled between Santa Monica and Malibu—had burned. Officials had previously warned of extreme fire risks due to powerful winds following an extended period of dry weather.
Escalation and Immediate Impact
The fire expanded rapidly, prompting fears that worsening wind conditions overnight could necessitate further evacuations. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames encroached on homes, leaving some with barely enough time to escape.
“We feel very blessed at this point that there’s no injuries that are reported,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley during a press briefing. She noted that over 25,000 residents in 10,000 homes remained at risk.
Firefighters employed aircraft to scoop seawater and douse nearby flames, while bulldozers worked to clear abandoned vehicles obstructing emergency routes. Television footage captured homes engulfed in flames and towering orange blazes lighting up the hills near Topanga Canyon.
Cultural Landmarks and Traffic Woes
The fire scorched trees on the grounds of the Getty Villa, a museum housing priceless artwork. However, the museum’s collection was declared safe, thanks to proactive brush-clearing efforts around the property. The Getty Villa announced it would remain closed for at least the rest of the week.
With only one primary road leading from the canyon to the coast and limited evacuation routes along the Pacific Coast Highway, traffic slowed to a standstill. Many residents were forced to abandon their cars and evacuate on foot.
Cindy Festa, a Pacific Palisades resident, described the harrowing scene: “Fires were this close to the cars,” she said, gesturing with her thumb and forefinger. “The palm trees—everything is going.”
Extreme Weather Conditions
Before the fire ignited, the National Weather Service issued its highest alert for extreme fire conditions across Los Angeles County from Tuesday through Thursday. Wind gusts between 50 and 80 mph (80 to 130 kph), combined with low humidity and drought-dried vegetation, created hazardous conditions. “It’s about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather,” the National Weather Service Los Angeles office stated on X.
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Emergency Declarations and Broader Concerns
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, citing the potential for multiple fires across Southern California. “Hopefully, we’re wrong, but we’re anticipating other fires happening concurrently,” he said during a press conference. Emergency resources, including personnel, firetrucks, and aircraft, were pre-positioned in high-risk areas.
The strong winds also disrupted President Joe Biden’s travel plans, grounding Air Force One in Los Angeles. A planned visit to the Coachella Valley to establish two national monuments was postponed, with the event rescheduled for a later date at the White House.
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Hollywood Stars Speak Out
The Pacific Palisades area, home to numerous Hollywood celebrities, saw several stars sharing their experiences. Actor James Woods announced on X that he had evacuated but was uncertain if his home had survived.
Meanwhile, actor Steve Guttenberg urged residents to prioritize safety over possessions. “It’s really important for everybody to band together and don’t worry about your personal property. Just get out,” he told KTLA television. “Get your loved ones and get out.”
