A wildfire has swept through the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, triggering widespread evacuations and significant disruptions. The fire, which began around 10:30 a.m., quickly spread, burning over 300 acres in a matter of hours.
Firefighters described the blaze as the “worst possible scenario,” exacerbated by high winds and low humidity, which are contributing to extreme wildfire conditions.
As the fire moved rapidly westward, threatening luxury homes in the area, residents were urged to evacuate immediately. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services issued a “don’t wait, evacuate” order for the Pacific Palisades, an affluent neighborhood home to numerous A-list celebrities. Over 26,000 people are under evacuation orders, with more than 13,000 buildings at risk.
The fire forced the cancellation of the Hollywood premiere of Unstoppable, starring Jennifer Lopez, as emergency officials focused on the safety of residents. The Los Angeles Fire Department advised people in the area to pack all pets and loved ones and leave the region without delay.
Multiple areas, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, were closed to accommodate evacuations. Thick black smoke blanketed the region, complicating the evacuation efforts as miles of traffic clogged the streets.
President Joe Biden, who was scheduled to deliver remarks in the nearby Coachella Valley, canceled his plans due to the fire’s severity. Biden had been set to announce the creation of two national monuments protecting more than 848,000 acres of land from drilling and energy development.
The fire, fueled by Santa Ana winds, has spread to neighboring Santa Monica and continues to threaten nearby communities. Over 100 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is being described as a “blowtorch” by officials.
Actor James Woods shared a video showing flames approaching his home, while other footage showed homes engulfed in flames on Shadow Mountain Drive. The Pacific Palisades is known for its celebrity residents, including Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Brooke Shields.
The Los Angeles City Fire Department is urging all those in the region to prepare for potential evacuation and follow official instructions. The fire continues to burn as emergency responders work to control the devastating blaze.
