A forest fire fanned by violent winds has been sweeping a Los Angeles hillside where many celebrity residences are located since Tuesday.
More than 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles aftera forest fire, fanned by extreme winds, ravaged the area Tuesday evening.
The Los Angeles fire chief said 10,000 homes were at risk of being destroyed by the fire in this wealthy neighborhood dotted with celebrity residences.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he found “many structures already destroyed” during a visit to the affected area, while considering that it was too early to see the extent of the damage.
A particularly violent windstorm
Winds are expected to intensify overnight Wednesday into Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which estimates that storm could be strongest to hit Southern California in more than a decade.
Winds are fanning two fires in the Pacific Palisades and another about 25 miles (40 kilometers) to the northeast in Atladena, which also prompted evacuation orders.
Wednesday morning, firefighters also reported a third fire growing in the Pasadena area.
Celebrities took to social media to describe their experience of the fire, with actor James Woods posting images of flames burning bushes and palm trees near his home. “I’m standing in my driveway, getting ready to evacuate”he said in a short video on X.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill also posted an update, explaining that he managed to escape his residence at the last minute and saw “small fires on both sides of the road”.
State of emergency declared in Los Angeles
Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, as the Pacific Palisades fire has already consumed nearly 1,200 hectares.
The outgoing American president, Joe Biden, said he and his team have been communicating with local and state officials and have proposed “any federal assistance needed to fight the terrible Pacific Palisades fire”.
Flames have been reported on the grounds of the Getty Villa – a separate part of the famous Getty Museum which focuses on the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome – but its president, Katherine Fleming, assures that the museum collection is safe.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards canceled the live announcement of nominations due to the fires, which will be done online, the organization said in a statement.
Movie studios also canceled two previews and the Los Angeles Unified School District said it had temporarily moved students from three college campuses in the Pacific Palisades area.
Recent dry winds and long-term lack of rain have contributed to above-average temperatures in southern California.
Additional sources • AP
