A fast-moving wildfire tore through an affluent area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, destroying homes and forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate under massive smoke clouds that blanketed the city.
The fire scorched 2,921 acres (1,182 hectares) in the Pacific Palisades area between Santa Monica and Malibu, with officials warning of extreme fire risks due to powerful winds and prolonged dry conditions. Authorities expected worsening wind conditions overnight, prompting additional evacuations, including in northern Santa Monica.
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Eyewitnesses reported homes engulfed in flames and cars narrowly escaping the blaze as the fire spread from Topanga Canyon to the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that over 10,000 homes and 25,000 people were at risk, but no injuries had been reported.
Firefighting efforts included aircraft dropping seawater on the flames and bulldozers clearing vehicles from roads for emergency access. Flames reached the grounds of the Getty Villa museum, though its art collection remained safe due to preemptive brush-clearing efforts.
Traffic snarls forced some residents to flee on foot, with evacuees describing flames dangerously close to vehicles. Pacific Palisades resident Cindy Festa recounted scenes of palm trees and hillsides ablaze as she evacuated.
The National Weather Service had issued its highest fire danger alert, citing low humidity, dry vegetation, and wind gusts of up to 80 mph (130 kph). These conditions were described as “about as bad as it gets for fire weather.”
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, pre-positioning resources across Southern California to tackle multiple potential fires. Meanwhile, a second blaze, the Eaton Fire, broke out near Pasadena, burning 200 acres (80 hectares).
The winds disrupted President Joe Biden’s travel plans, grounding Air Force One and postponing an event in the Coachella Valley. Biden pledged federal support for the fire response and approved a grant to reimburse California for firefighting costs.
Pacific Palisades, home to several celebrities, saw evacuations by actors James Woods and Steve Guttenberg, the latter urging residents to prioritize safety over possessions. Guttenberg highlighted challenges caused by abandoned vehicles blocking evacuation routes, emphasizing the need for cooperation during emergencies.
