A massive wildfire tore through a Los Angeles hillside on Tuesday, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee. The fire, fueled by extreme winds, devastated areas populated by celebrities. Governor Gavin Newsom, who was nearby, visited the site and witnessed extensive destruction. He stated, “Many structures are already destroyed.”
Evacuations and Destruction in Pacific Palisades
Around 30,000 residents in Pacific Palisades received evacuation orders, with more than 13,000 structures at risk. The fire ignited at 10:30 a.m., just as a Santa Ana windstorm swept across Southern California. This powerful storm, the strongest in a decade, exacerbated the fire’s rapid spread. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but no injuries have been reported.
Dangerous Winds and Critical Weather Conditions
The Santa Ana winds, which the National Weather Service warned were “life-threatening,” fueled the blaze. These winds, reaching up to 100 mph in some areas, increased the fire’s intensity. Dry conditions, with little rain since May, created the perfect environment for the flames to spread. The winds were expected to peak between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, raising concerns that the situation could worsen.
Power Outages and Road Closures
By Tuesday evening, over 28,000 homes lost power due to fallen lines and strong winds. Utility companies shut off power to another 15,000 homes to prevent sparks from igniting new fires. Major roads, including sections of Interstate 10 and Pacific Coast Highway, were closed to aid evacuation efforts. Many residents, unable to drive, abandoned their cars and fled on foot. Actress Kelsey Trainor described the chaos as people cried and scrambled for safety.
Celebrity Neighborhoods at Risk
The fire threatened some of Los Angeles’ wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods. Will Adams, a long-time resident of Pacific Palisades, watched as the sky turned black with smoke. “One home is safe; the next one is on fire,” he said. Actor James Woods shared footage of the flames approaching his property, while Steve Guttenberg helped evacuate neighbors. “Leave your car keys behind so fire trucks can get through,” he advised.
Governor Declares State of Emergency
Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency as the fire spread through the area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved funds to help cover firefighting costs. President Biden, who was scheduled to announce new national monuments, stayed in Los Angeles to monitor the situation.
Impact on Local Institutions and Businesses
The wildfire disrupted several local businesses. Film studios canceled movie premieres, and the Los Angeles Unified School District temporarily relocated students from three schools in Pacific Palisades. The Getty Villa, a well-known museum in the area, reported minor damage to its grounds but confirmed that both the building and its art collection were safe.
A Growing Crisis
The fire continues to rage through Southern California. With little rain in recent months and high winds predicted to persist, authorities warn that the worst may be yet to come. Thousands of residents remain at risk as the fire shows no signs of slowing down.
