Raging wildfires force mass evacuation in celebrity enclave
Firefighters are battling a brush and tree fire in Pacific Palisades, a neighbourhood full of celebrity residences in Los Angeles. On Tuesday, within a few hours, the blaze spread to 510 hectares. 30,000 residents were ordered to evacuate due to life-threatening conditions.
According to CBS News, at 6:30 PM Greenwich Time, the Los Angeles Fire Department first reported the fire. At that time, the fire covered 8 hectares. By around 7:30 PM, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CAL FIRE, estimated that the blaze had spread to over 80 hectares, and by around 11:00 PM, it had reached 510 hectares.
Major fire in Los Angeles
The scenic Pacific Coast Highway, which runs along the ocean, was completely closed. Dozens of people abandoned their cars. Firefighters instructed them to evacuate and flee on foot as the flames approached.
In many areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, where the fire is raging, a "particularly dangerous situation" warning is in effect this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) only issues this relatively rare warning in extreme cases.
30,000 people ordered to evacuate
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that more than 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. 13,000 buildings are threatened by the fire. The fire is fuelled by strong winds and low humidity. According to forecasts, gusts may reach speeds from about 90 to nearly 120 km/h, and even up to 160 km/h in some parts of Southern California.
This could be the difference in someone’s life or death if we can get people safely evacuated – emphasised Margaret Stewart, a fire department spokesperson, as quoted by CNN.
A recreation centre in Los Angeles, the Westwood Recreation Centre, has been converted into a shelter for evacuated people and small animals. Students and staff from many schools have been transferred to safe locations.
In December, residents of the West Coast had to contend with the Franklin fire. It consumed over over twenty structures, including many homes, over 1,620 hectares.
