A rapidly spreading wildfire in California's Pacific Palisades neighborhood forced the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents. The blaze, which grew from 20 acres to over 3,000 in a few hours, was fueled by strong winds. While no injuries have been reported in the affluent area, numerous homes have sustained damage.
Multiple agencies, including over 250 firefighters, 46 engines, and 5 helicopters, are actively battling the blaze. Authorities have declared the fire zero-percent contained. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office urged residents to heed evacuation orders, emphasizing the immediate need for safety. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed concern for those impacted.
President Joe Biden, briefed on the situation, offered federal assistance to support relief efforts. Due to the fire, several Hollywood premieres, including those for "Unstoppable" and "Wolf Man," have been canceled. Local residents, such as actor Steve Guttenberg, are assisting evacuees. Guttenberg described the smoke-filled air as darkening to night-like conditions.
A second fire erupted in the Altadena-Pasadena area, quickly expanding to 1,000 acres with no containment reported. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has highlighted the extreme fire behavior and the persistent challenges posed by strong winds, predicted to reach up to 60 mph.
Celebrities, including Chris Pratt and Maria Shriver, have expressed concern and support for the affected communities and first responders, urging prayers and emphasizing the importance of heeding evacuation orders. Actors Eugene Levy and James Woods, who have homes in the affected area, recounted their experiences during the evacuations and shared updates on the situation.
Images and video footage highlight the destructive nature of the wildfires. The ongoing emergency response and evacuation efforts are continuing across the affected areas.
