Los Angeles, CA – A raging wildfire, dubbed the Palisades Fire, has engulfed nearly 5,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades area, prompting evacuations for over 30,000 residents. The fire is currently at 0% containment and is fueled by strong Santa Ana winds predicted to reach 60mph through Thursday, raising concerns about further spread. Two fatalities have been reported in a separate fire affecting Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre.
Initial reports indicate the fire's rapid spread has left substantial damage. Over 300,000 residents lost power following the fires Tuesday evening. Injuries to civilians and a 25-year-old firefighter have also been reported.
"The wind is extremely challenging," said LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott. "Our crews are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but the conditions are extremely dangerous."
California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed more than 1,400 firefighters to tackle the multiple wildfires, while the White House has confirmed that President Biden has been briefed and assured the county can access federal aid if needed.
Hollywood residents are among those impacted by the evacuations, with several well-known figures forced to leave their homes as the fire sweeps through the area. The significant disruption extends beyond residential areas, with school closures and business evacuations also reported.
Emergency management officials emphasized the severity of the situation, highlighting that the conditions currently exceed typical "Red Flag" warnings and represent a significant threat. Municipal water systems, while functioning, are not equipped to handle the large-scale demands of firefighting. Preservation of vital infrastructure amidst the disaster is a top concern.
Evacuation orders remain in place, and authorities are urging residents to heed warnings, emphasizing that life is paramount. Looting is also reported to be occurring in several areas, with law enforcement strongly condemning such actions. The California National Guard has been deployed to assist the firefighting efforts.
