Los Angeles, January 8: Wildfires in Los Angeles have escalated into a severe crisis, spreading rapidly over thousands of acres within hours. Officials declared an emergency in the city as flames engulfed vast areas of forest land, endangering lives and property.
Fire authorities reported that the blaze, which began on Tuesday evening, spread from 10 acres to over 3,000 acres in a matter of hours. Christine Crowley, the chief of the firefighting team, stated that approximately 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate to safety. Around 13,000 buildings are at risk of damage, and several prominent areas, including neighborhoods where Hollywood celebrities reside, have been evacuated.
The wildfires originated in the hilly regions of Los Angeles and intensified due to strong winds. Officials revealed that millions of residents in California are currently under a warning zone. The Pacific Palisades area, situated between Santa Monica and Malibu, has suffered significant damage, with around 12 square kilometers of forest burned.
Efforts to control the blaze are ongoing, but the strong winds continue to worsen the situation. In Altadena, approximately 200 acres of forest have been consumed by the flames. Additionally, power outages have impacted 46,000 homes across Los Angeles County.
Several Hollywood actors, including Eugene Levy and James Woods, have vacated their homes as the fire encroaches on residential areas. Emergency teams are working tirelessly to contain the spread and protect the affected regions.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and follow evacuation orders as the wildfires continue to pose a severe threat.
