A huge wildfire has broken out in a Los Angeles suburb, destroying homes and forcing thousands of people to leave their neighborhoods. The fire has already burned nearly 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) in the Pacific Palisades area and is spreading quickly, fueled by strong winds that have caused panic among residents.
The fire started in the morning and grew rapidly, surprising many people. It coincided with seasonal Santa Ana winds, which are expected to be the worst in a decade, with gusts reaching up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour.
The flames have reached an area filled with expensive homes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Firefighters are working hard, using bulldozers to clear away abandoned cars, including luxury models like BMWs and Teslas, to help them fight the fire.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said that, thankfully, there have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far. About 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as the fire continues to spread.
In response to the emergency, Acting Mayor Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared a state of emergency for the city. As of Tuesday evening, around 28,300 homes were without power due to the strong winds.
President Joe Biden, who was in Los Angeles for a planned announcement, has been updated on the wildfire situation. He has approved federal aid to help California deal with the fire, according to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Additionally, some schools are being relocated because of the wildfire, as mentioned by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
As firefighters continue to battle the flames, the community is on high alert, hoping for a quick end to this dangerous situation.
