Fires on the outskirts of Los Angeles are growing, forcing thousands of people to evacuate the hills above the city. Strong winds spread the flames and pose a “mortal danger,” according to authorities.
Devastating wildfires on the outskirts of the Californian city of Los Angeles spread to an area of nearly 16 square kilometers on Wednesday. Violent winds, reaching 96 km/h, fanned the flames and complicated the use of aerial means. According to ABC, several people, including a firefighter, were injured.
The largest fire is raging near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. It covers an area of 12 square kilometers, according to California state authorities. During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, a second fire broke out near the neighboring city of Pasadena. The fire spread to an area of approximately 4 square kilometers within a few hours.
At least 30,000 people, including several celebrities, have already been ordered to evacuate. Some 300,000 homes are also without electricity.
Strong winds make it difficult to deploy aerial means to fight the flames. Water and extinguishing agents also cannot be sent properly onto the fire due to the wind, American media report. Faced with these difficult weather conditions, the authorities are focusing their action on rescuing victims, a fire department spokesperson told CNN.
At least 1,400 firefighters have already been deployed, California Governor Gavin Newsom said on X. Rescuers who were not on duty or who were on vacation were notably called back.
The origin of the fire is not yet known.
Los Angeles fires USA
