A massive wildfire raging through the Pacific Palisades, LA, has forced 30,000 residents to flee their homes. Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, the blaze erupted on Tuesday morning and has since spread to an area larger than 1,000 football fields, BBC reported.
Over 250 firefighters are battling the inferno under “extremely challenging” circumstances. LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley described the conditions as “extreme fire weather,” with the flames advancing rapidly through the foothills where many luxury homes are located.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, calling on residents to “stay vigilant, take all necessary precautions, and follow local emergency guidance.”
President Joe Biden, currently in California for an event, echoed the sentiment, saying that federal resources are available. “We are doing everything possible to support the response,” Biden said.
The wildfire has already damaged multiple buildings. Palisades Charter High School, a well-known filming location for Hollywood productions, stands empty as flames surround its grounds. The Getty Villa Museum, home to priceless artworks and artifacts, has temporarily closed, with fire reportedly burning on the museum’s grounds.
The thick smoke plume from the fire is visible from as far away as Venice Beach, six miles from the epicenter of the blaze. Up to 200,000 properties across Los Angeles are also experiencing power outages due to fire-related damage.