Palisades Inferno: Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles, Forcing Thousands to Flee
A rapidly spreading wildfire is tearing through Los Angeles, leading to widespread evacuations and the heartbreaking loss of many homes. Read on for the latest updates and eyewitness accounts.
LOS ANGELES, Jan 7 (Reuters) – A fast-moving wildfire tore through an affluent section of Los Angeles on Tuesday, consuming homes and causing gridlock as over 30,000 residents scrambled to evacuate. Meanwhile, a second blaze, 30 miles inland, rapidly doubled in size, highlighting the escalating fire crisis in Southern California.
Palisades Fire: A Devastating Path
The Palisades Fire scorched approximately 2,921 acres (1,182 hectares) in the Pacific Palisades area, nestled between Santa Monica and Malibu. Fueled by strong winds and parched vegetation after weeks of dry weather, the fire prompted evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents.
Injuries were reported, with some individuals sustaining burns to their faces and hands. A female firefighter also suffered a head injury, according to officials speaking to KTLA.
Eyewitness accounts painted harrowing scenes of destruction. Flames encroached on homes and vehicles in Topanga Canyon, spreading dangerously close to the Pacific Ocean.
“Fires were so close to the cars,” said Cindy Festa, a resident who fled the canyon. “Palm trees, hillsides—everything was going up in flames.”
Malibu and Beyond
The fire advanced northward, threatening Malibu’s iconic coastal homes. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley noted that over 25,000 residents in 10,000 homes were at risk.
Aided by aircraft collecting seawater, firefighters worked tirelessly to douse the advancing flames. Bulldozers cleared vehicles left abandoned by panicked residents, creating pathways for emergency services.
The Getty Villa museum, housing invaluable art collections, narrowly escaped devastation. Preventive measures, including meticulous brush trimming, ensured the building’s safety despite trees on its grounds being singed.
Eaton and Hurst Fires Add to the Crisis
Further compounding the crisis, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena expanded to 400 acres (162 hectares) within hours, forcing the evacuation of nearly 100 residents from a nursing home.
In Sylmar, northwest of Los Angeles, the Hurst Fire erupted, prompting further evacuations as residents scrambled to safety.
Chaos on the Roads
With only one main road connecting the canyon to the coast and a single highway leading to safety, traffic jams left evacuees stranded. Some resorted to fleeing on foot as flames closed in.
Actor Steve Guttenberg described scenes of chaos, with abandoned cars blocking escape routes. “It’s crucial for everyone to prioritize lives over property—just get out,” he urged on KTLA.
Extreme Fire Conditions and State Response
The National Weather Service had issued its highest alert for fire danger, predicting wind gusts of up to 80 mph (130 kph) across Los Angeles County. These “worst-case” conditions, coupled with dry vegetation and low humidity, created a perfect storm for wildfire outbreaks.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and positioned resources, including firetrucks and aircraft, throughout Southern California. President Joe Biden also offered federal assistance, approving a grant to aid California’s response.
Biden’s travel plans were disrupted by the powerful winds, grounding Air Force One in Los Angeles. A planned ceremony to announce two new national monuments in California was postponed.
Celebrity Impact
The Pacific Palisades area, home to numerous Hollywood stars, was not spared. Actor James Woods shared his evacuation story, expressing uncertainty about the fate of his home.
As the fires rage on, the call for unity and prompt action resounds. “We need to band together,” Guttenberg urged. “Protect what matters most—your loved ones.”
Source: (Reuters)
Also Read: Sam Altman Denies Sexual Assault Allegations by Sister Amid Family Dispute