A wildfire swept through Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles on Tuesday, tearing across an upscale area and leaving firefighters battling against fierce winds to bring it under control. What started as a small fire covering just 20 acres quickly grew into a massive blaze, now spanning over 1,200 acres.
More than 250 firefighters have been deployed, along with helicopters and fire engines, to combat the flames. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley assured the public that, thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far. However, over 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, with nearly 13,000 buildings and 10,000 homes still under threat.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath addressed the situation during a press briefing, noting that some schools in the area have been relocated for safety reasons. She empathized with the community, saying, “I know today is terrifying and painful. Please know that you are not alone.” Horvath emphasized that every available resource is being used to contain the fire as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, weather forecasters have delivered some grim news: the strong winds fueling the fire are expected to persist for several days. These gusts, particularly in the mountains and foothills, could reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, creating isolated windstorms and potentially spreading the fire further.
Acting Mayor and Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfire. He assured residents that the city is well-prepared to tackle the crisis, but the emergency declaration will help unlock additional resources to fight the fire.
California Governor Gavin Newsom painted a sobering picture of the situation, saying, “There are not a few, but many structures already destroyed, and the fire is still continuing.” Newsom also warned that embers from the fire could travel miles due to the strong winds, sparking new fires far from the original blaze. He urged everyone to take evacuation orders seriously and follow the guidance of emergency responders.
The wildfire has left the community on edge, but with firefighters working tirelessly and resources being mobilized, authorities remain committed to keeping residents safe and containing the fire as soon as possible.
