Wildfire in Pacific Palisades Ravages 2,921 Acres, Forces 30,000 to Evacuate Amid State of Emergency

Jan 8, 2025, 06:32 AM

A rapidly growing wildfire, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and exacerbated by extended dry weather, has devastated an upscale section of Los Angeles, specifically the Pacific Palisades area between Santa Monica and Malibu, leading to the evacuation of 30,000 residents. The fire has consumed at least 2,921 acres (1,182 hectares). Homes have been destroyed, and traffic jams have ensued as people fled the area under evacuation orders. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that over 13,000 structures are under threat, with no injuries reported so far. The National Weather Service had warned of extreme fire conditions due to wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph. In response to the crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden offered federal assistance to help suppress the fire.