Wildfire forces mass evacuation in celebrity-packed LA area
A Los Angeles neighbourhood popular among celebrities has been battling a wildfire since Tuesday. The blaze has spread over more than 485 hectares, and 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate. President Joe Biden issued a statement and appealed to the residents.
The fire in California has been spreading since Tuesday. Firefighters are battling the blaze in areas next to the oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway.
Many people tried to flee by car. Firefighters instructed them to abandon their vehicles and evacuate on foot.
Fire in the USA: President Joe Biden addressed the residents of Los Angeles
Several thousand buildings were still affected or threatened by the fire. Strong winds and low humidity are fueling the fire. Gusts can reach speeds of over 120 kilometres per hour.
President Joe Biden took to social media to comment on the issue. He assured that the services are doing everything possible to deal with the threat.
He also assured that state and local officials will work intensively on compensating for the losses. "My Administration will do everything it can to support the response," wrote the President of the USA.
Biden also added that during the ongoing rescue operation, it is essential to ensure people are disciplined. "I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials," he wrote.
