A rapidly growing wildfire spread across an upscale section of Los Angeles on Tuesday, forcing 30,000 people to evacuate.
The fire, which has destroyed homes and created massive traffic jams, has burned at least 2,921 acres in the Pacific Palisades area between Santa Monica and Malibu.
Officials had warned of extreme fire risks due to powerful winds following a period of dry weather, with the fire intensifying as the worst wind conditions were expected overnight.
Residents fleeing the flames reported seeing homes engulfed in fire, with some nearly scorching vehicles as people escaped from Topanga Canyon.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley confirmed that no injuries had been reported, though more than 25,000 people in 10,000 homes were at risk.
Firefighters used aircraft to drop water from the sea and bulldozers cleared abandoned vehicles from roads to allow emergency access.
The Getty Villa, home to priceless works of art, was threatened by flames but avoided damage thanks to preventive measures. Traffic ground to a halt on the canyon’s single road, and some residents had to flee on foot due to blocked escape routes.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and positioned additional fire personnel in anticipation of more fires, while President Joe Biden’s travel plans were delayed due to the dangerous wind conditions.
