A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked panicked evacuations Tuesday as hurricane-force winds tore through the region.
Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the 1,260-acre (510-hectare) blaze engulfing an area crammed with multi-million dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Firefighters used bulldozers to push dozens of vehicles—including expensive models like BMWs, Teslas, and Mercedes—to one side, leaving many crumpled and their alarms sounding.
Despite the chaotic evacuation, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said there were no immediate reports of any deaths or injuries.
Hundreds of firefighters swarmed the area, attacking the blaze from the ground and the air, while crews worked in steep terrain to cut back vegetation and create firebreaks.
Around 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate the fast-spreading flames, which leveled multiple homes as they leaped large distances.
“We are not out of danger,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone at an afternoon press conference, adding that the winds are expected to pick up.
The White House said US President Joe Biden was briefed on the fire, and his team was in touch with local officials to offer federal assistance.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/AFP
