Blazing inferno forces 30,000 to evacuate in L.A. hotspot
Firefighters are battling a brush and tree fire in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood known for celebrity residences. The blaze rapidly expanded on Tuesday, covering 1,260 acres within a few hours. Authorities ordered 30,000 residents to evacuate due to life-threatening conditions.
According to CBS News, the Los Angeles Fire Department initially reported the fire at 1:30 PM Eastern Time, when it spanned 20 acres. By about 2:30 PM, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CAL FIRE, estimated the blaze had spread to over 200 acres. By approximately 6:00 PM, it had reached 1,260 acres.
Major fire in Los Angeles
The scenic Pacific Coast Highway, which runs along the ocean, was completely closed. Dozens of people abandoned their cars as firefighters instructed them to flee on foot with flames approaching.
In numerous areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where the fire is active, a "particularly dangerous situation" warning is in effect. The National Weather Service (NWS) reserves this relatively rare warning for extreme circumstances.
30,000 people ordered to evacuate
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that more than 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. Approximately 13,000 buildings are threatened by the fire. Strong winds and low humidity are fueling the blaze. Forecasts suggest that gusts could range from about 56 to nearly 75 mph, and even reach up to 100 mph in certain areas of Southern California.
"This could be the difference in someone’s life or death if we can get people safely evacuated," emphasized Margaret Stewart, a fire department spokesperson, as quoted by CNN.
The Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles has been transformed into a shelter for evacuated residents and small animals. Students and staff from several schools have been relocated to safe locations.
In December, residents of the West Coast had to deal with the Franklin Fire, which destroyed more than twenty structures, including many homes, over an area of 4,000 acres.
