A devastating wildfire swept through the hills near Los Angeles on Tuesday, prompting mass evacuations in Pacific Palisades, a wealthy area bordering the Santa Monica Mountains.
The fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, has already burned over 2,920 acres and continues to grow, according to Ziare.
The blaze began late Tuesday morning, quickly spreading through Topanga Canyon toward the Pacific Ocean. Residents scrambled to evacuate as flames engulfed homes and vehicles.
Over 25,000 people were forced to flee from 10,000 homes, according to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries have been reported so far.
Bracing for more fires
Emergency crews worked tirelessly to combat the flames.
Firefighters used aircraft to scoop water from the ocean, while bulldozers cleared abandoned vehicles to make way for emergency responders.
Helicopter footage showed glowing orange flames lighting up the hills as the sun set over the city.
The Getty Villa, a museum housing priceless artwork, narrowly avoided disaster.
Flames scorched nearby trees, but preventative measures like clearing brush around the property helped save the collection. The museum will remain closed for the rest of the week.
Residents and officials face additional challenges as strong winds continue to fan the flames.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme fire weather warning for much of Los Angeles County through Thursday, with gusts reaching 80 mph and some reports of winds as high as 100 mph in mountainous areas.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and deployed additional firefighters and resources across Southern California.
"We’re bracing for more fires," he said, urging residents to heed evacuation orders.
Traffic gridlock on canyon roads forced some to flee on foot. Hollywood actor James Woods, a Pacific Palisades resident, evacuated safely but shared concerns about his home’s fate.
Others, like actor Steve Guttenberg, criticized abandoned cars that blocked escape routes.
The fire’s massive smoke plume is visible across the Los Angeles basin, creating a grim reminder of the region’s growing vulnerability to wildfires. With the Santa Ana winds persisting, officials warn that the situation remains dire.
