Los Angeles County is facing a wildfire crisis, with four major blazes tearing through communities and prompting widespread evacuations. The largest fire, burning in Pacific Palisades, has engulfed over 2,900 acres and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee. LA Mayor Karen Bass warned that conditions are expected to worsen, fueled by fierce “tornado-like” winds.
In Pacific Palisades, evacuees abandoned cars as flames threatened the neighborhood, creating traffic jams that required fire officials to use bulldozers to clear vehicles. Some residents considered seeking refuge on nearby beaches as flames jumped highways. Meanwhile, care home workers in Pasadena scrambled to evacuate elderly residents with a fire burning just a block away.
The Eaton Fire in Altadena has expanded to over 2,200 acres, prompting evacuation orders for more than 52,000 residents. The Hurst Fire, north of San Fernando, has reached 500 acres, while the Woodley Fire in Sepulveda Basin has consumed 75 acres. Together, these fires have left over 150,000 homes and buildings without power in Los Angeles County.
High winds, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph in Pacific Palisades, have severely hampered firefighting efforts. Aerial water drops are currently impossible due to the wind’s intensity. Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Jacob Raabe confirmed that crews are battling flames with ground resources while tens of thousands of city workers assist with power restoration, traffic control, and debris removal.
Smoke from the fires has led to hazardous air quality across the region, with a smoke advisory issued for areas from Malibu to Pasadena. Officials warn that PM 2.5 levels—a dangerous fine particulate matter—are at unhealthy levels in many areas, posing serious health risks. Residents are urged to wear N95 masks when outdoors.
The situation has drawn comparisons to an apocalyptic scene, with passengers on flights into LAX capturing video of raging flames and massive smoke plumes. Universal Studios Hollywood has temporarily shut down operations due to extreme conditions, further underscoring the widespread impact of these wildfires.
As Los Angeles grapples with these unprecedented fires, officials urge residents to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and prioritize safety in the days ahead.
Source: Swifteradio.com
