A massive wildfire swept through Los Angeles’ upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Wednesday, fueled by hurricane-force winds that rapidly expanded the blaze and forced 30,000 residents, including Hollywood celebrities, to flee their homes.
The wildfire, which ignited near Piedra Morada Drive around 10:30 a.m., quickly spread across 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) with no containment as of Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Gusts of wind reaching speeds of up to 40 mph initially propelled the flames, while forecasts warned of even stronger Santa Ana winds, potentially reaching 100 mph.
The fire has threatened over 10,000 homes in the Santa Monica Mountains, an area known for its multimillion-dollar properties. Residents fled in panic, with some abandoning their vehicles on the narrow roads leading out of the area. Bulldozers were used to clear the path, pushing aside dozens of high-end cars, including Teslas, BMWs, and Mercedes, many of which were left damaged and blaring their alarms.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that over 1,400 firefighters were already on the scene, with hundreds more being deployed to combat the inferno. Social media was flooded with posts from residents and celebrities sharing images and updates on the unfolding disaster.
The fire erupted during a period of intense Santa Ana winds, which experts have warned could result in the most severe windstorm in over a decade. These winds, combined with two decades of drought followed by exceptionally wet years, have created a dangerous buildup of dry vegetation, providing ample fuel for wildfires.
Scientists have long cautioned that human-driven climate change is exacerbating extreme weather conditions, including the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the western United States. The interplay of drought, rapid vegetative growth, and seasonal winds has left Southern California highly vulnerable to devastating blazes.
As of Wednesday, the Palisades Fire remained uncontrolled, leaving tens of thousands of displaced residents uncertain about when they could return home.