Wildfire Erupts in Los Angeles Suburbs, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate
Firefighters Battle to Contain Blaze as Winds Fuel Rapid Growth
LOS ANGELES: Firefighters on Wednesday battled a ferocious wildfire in Los Angeles suburbs, home to many Hollywood celebrities, which devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations as hurricane-force winds fueled rapid blaze growth.
Frightened Residents Abandon Cars, Flee on Foot
Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) blaze engulfing an area packed with multimillion-dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Crews Work to Contain Fire
Firefighters used bulldozers to push dozens of vehicles — including expensive models such as BMWs, Teslas, and Mercedes — to one side, leaving many crumpled and with their alarms blaring. Some celebrities posted comments and pictures on social media platforms.
Governor Deploys Thousands of Firefighters
More than 1,400 firefighters were on the ground, with hundreds more on the way, California Governor Gavin Newsom said.
US Media Reports Firefighter Injuries
US media reported one firefighter among several injured in the Palisades.
Residents Describe Chaos and Panic
One man, who gave his name as Gary, told broadcaster KTLA that hot ashes were raining down on his community of Sea Ridge.
“Everyone Panicked”
"Everyone panicked, that’s when everybody made a run and went to go and pack their houses up," he said.
Evacuees Share Harrowing Experiences
Evacuee Kelsey Trainor said she saw the fire explode in size as she was fleeing.
Worse Weather Conditions Expected
The fire came as the area was being hit by seasonal Santa Ana winds that forecasters said could develop into the worst windstorm in a decade, with gusts of up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour expected.
Conclusion
The fire is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that wildfires can have on communities. As the region continues to be battered by strong winds, residents are left to wonder when the blaze will finally be brought under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many acres is the fire covering?
A: The fire is covering approximately 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares).
Q: How many people have been ordered to evacuate?
A: Around 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.
Q: How many firefighters are on the ground?
A: More than 1,400 firefighters are on the ground, with hundreds more on the way.
Q: What are the current weather conditions?
A: The area is being hit by strong winds, with gusts of up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour expected to continue through Thursday.