A deadly 200-acre wildfire has devastated Pacific Palisades, prompting the evacuation of 20,000 residents. Officials issued an immediate evacuation order, warning people to “leave now” as flames spread rapidly. Traffic jams ensued on Sunset Boulevard as residents rushed to escape, leaving cars abandoned on the streets. Firefighters, including over 100 in the area, battle the blaze fueled by strong winds reaching 80 mph. As power outages affected thousands, residents faced hazardous conditions. Actor Steve Guttenberg urged neighbors to leave their car keys behind for easier access for emergency responders. The situation remains critical as firefighters continue their efforts.
A deadly wildfire has ripped through the Pacific Palisades, causing the evacuation of 20,000 residents and forcing panicked Californians to leave their homes and park their cars in the middle of the road.
Officials issued an “immediate” evacuation order for the Pacific Palisades and urged residents to “leave now.”
Evacuation orders caused traffic jams on Sunset Boulevard and Los Angeles residents left their mansions behind as the 200-acre fire rapidly scorched the surrounding ground.
Some schools in Brentwood have also been evacuated.
“Please don’t disturb this fire,” said firefighter David Ortiz. “This is the worst-case scenario for a gunfight.”
X user Jonathan Vigliotti posted a video of a car burning out of control in his driveway.
“Come on, guys!” he called, his voice filled with fear. “I have to go!”
“We had a fire in our neighborhood. There was panic in the streets and tonight the Palisades fire will have the worst winds,” he wrote to X.
Officials issued an “immediate” evacuation order for the Pacific Palisades and urged residents to “leave now.” “Please do not disturb this fire,” said firefighter David Ortiz.
Deadly wildfires rage through Pacific Palisades, forcing 20,000 residents to evacuate and forcing panicked Californians to get out of their cars.
The 200-acre wildfire was first reported around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, and authorities described the flames as torch-like.
Evacuation orders caused traffic jams on Sunset Boulevard and LA residents evacuated their mansions as the 200-acre fire rapidly scorched the surrounding ground.
“This is the worst possible scenario for a gunfight,” Ortiz said.
People were seen quickly evacuating the area as the fire continued to spread. The KTLA team also had to evacuate the area midway through the interview.
Southern California Edison (SCE) shut off power to parts of Cuthbert, Galahad and Malibu on Tuesday due to “hazardous fire weather,” an alert said.
The company expects the outage to last at least eight hours, and could be longer if crews need daylight to visually inspect power lines and equipment. Inspection is required before SCE restores power.
According to poweroutage.us, about 10,000 units are without power, 5,600 of which are provided by SCE.
The 200-acre wildfire was first reported around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, with authorities describing the flames as torch-like.
Police Academy star Steve Guttenberg said the fires were close to home, people were abandoning their cars and it was making it difficult for fire trucks to reach the roads.
Guttenberg is asking neighbors to “leave your keys in your car if you leave it behind so someone like me can move it.”
“We really need people to move their cars,” he told KTLA. “So if you leave your car on Palisades Drive, please leave your keys there.”
X user Jonathan Vigliotti posted a video of a car burning out of control in his driveway. “Come on, guys!” he called, his voice filled with fear. “I have to go!”
Flame retardant dropped on Pacific Palisades blaze
Firefighters can be seen working hard as Los Angeles residents rush to flee wealthy neighborhoods.
The actor said he has a friend who can’t leave his house because of an abandoned vehicle.
More than 100 firefighters and strike teams are working to battle the massive blaze, Ortiz said.
The fire is rapidly moving west, with wind gusts reaching 80 mph in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, according to the New York Times.
The storm poses another problem, as it could be “life-threatening” and cause the worst damage since 2011, the Times reported.
According to the Times, parts of the Pacific Coast Highway are also closed due to the fire.
Firefighters stand on top of the structure and spray flames below. Ortiz said more than 100 firefighters and strike teams were working to combat the massive blaze.
Fire rapidly moving west, with wind gusts reaching 80 mph in Ventura and Los Angeles counties
Los Angeles County residents are being asked to evacuate the area in a specific manner, using only Palisades Drive, Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, the newspaper said.
Residents are urged to be careful of strong winds and downed power lines.
This is a story in development. Please check the latest information.
