Thousands of residents were forced to get into their cars to escape the flames. A spectacular fire broke out on Tuesday in northern Los Angeles in the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood. This Wednesday morning, it had already ravaged 1,200 hectares and posed a “mortal danger” according to the authorities of this California city.
The fire broke out at the worst time for Los Angeles, swept by violent gusts. Warm Santa Ana winds, typical of California winter, are expected to blow up to 100 mph in the region Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the U.S. Weather Service. Enough to spread the flames very quickly.
No, this is not a set from a Hollywood film, but a residence in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, which was destroyed by flames.
Many residents evacuated in panic, with just a few belongings and their pets. Many found themselves stuck in traffic jams.
The fire broke out late Tuesday morning in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, populated with multimillion-dollar villas in the mountains northwest of the city.
The governor of California, seen from behind, has declared a state of emergency. The authorities have identified “many structures already destroyed,” explained Gavin Newsom on Tuesday evening.
Around 30,000 people are under evacuation orders, according to authorities. No injuries have been reported at this time.
The wind is fanned by warm Santa Ana winds, typical of the Californian winter. The dry start of winter and abundant vegetation growth over the last two years also favor its spread.
