Several intense wildfires are raging on the outskirts of Los Angeles, rapidly spreading due to strong winds. Governor Newsom of California has declared a state of emergency.
In the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to many celebrities, the fire has affected over 1,200 hectares. Evacuation orders are in place for residents of several suburbs due to the fire in Eaton Canyon, a 75-hectare nature area.
In the northern suburb of Sylmar, about 20 hectares are ablaze. The fires have destroyed numerous buildings: At least 30,000 people have been evacuated.
Images show bulldozers moving abandoned cars to allow firefighters access to the affected areas. The fire in Pacific Palisades started on Tuesday around 10:30 a.m.
local time and spread quickly due to strong winds. Authorities expect the winds to strengthen, complicating firefighting efforts.
A climate scientist from UCLA warned that the situation will worsen before improving. The Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades, housing works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet, is closed as a precaution.
The building and its collection are safe, despite some trees and plants burning. On social media, images show flames near the museum.
Several celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon, reportedly have homes in Pacific Palisades. Actor James Woods believes his house has burned down, and Mark Hamill has fled his Malibu home.
Various media events have been canceled due to the fires, including the Hollywood premieres of “Unstoppable,” “Wolf Man,” and the “Better Man” biopic. The Santa Ana winds, known for intensifying wildfires, are blowing from a high-pressure area north of Nevada and Utah, reaching speeds of 100 to 130 km/h and drying vegetation rapidly.
Source: NOS