Wildfires have torn through Los Angeles, destroying homes, clogging roadways, and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate as firefighters battle fierce, wind-whipped flames. The situation has reached a critical point, with emergency responders struggling to contain the blazes under harsh conditions, including winds gusting up to 100 mph in some areas.
One of the fires ignited Tuesday evening near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of LA and quickly spread to senior living centers, forcing residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to evacuate. Meanwhile, flames from another fire, burning through the city’s coastal neighborhoods, reached iconic spots like the Pacific Coast Highway, where widespread destruction was captured on video. In Palisades, residents fled on foot, leaving vehicles abandoned. The traffic jam on Palisades Drive became impassable, requiring bulldozers to clear paths for emergency vehicles.
Actor James Woods shared harrowing footage from his neighborhood, where flames engulfed hillside homes lined with palm trees. Similarly, Getty Villa, a famous museum known for its ancient art collection, faced the threat of flames, although staff and precious artworks were unharmed. Palisades Charter High School and several film studios had to cancel events due to the raging fire and gusty winds.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, mobilizing over 1,400 firefighters to combat the blazes, while President Joe Biden postponed plans to visit California, opting to remain in Los Angeles for urgent briefings. FEMA has approved emergency grants to help with firefighting costs, but the destruction continues, with more than 13,000 structures currently under threat.
Residents, many of whom have lived in the area for decades, described the chaos as flames rapidly spread through once-safe neighborhoods. Power outages affected nearly 167,000 people in Los Angeles County, exacerbating the ongoing crisis. With no rain in months and record-dry conditions, the fires have proved relentless, and authorities warn things could worsen overnight.
