LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fire crews were working quickly on Tuesday to contain a rapidly spreading wildfire in the hills of Los Angeles, where many celebrities reside, at a time when a potentially “deadly and destructive” windstorm is hitting Southern California.
The arrival of the storm fueled the flames in Pacific Palisades, which could be seen from several kilometers away as the roads became congested with residents trying to get away from the area.
Which is the most affected area by the Los Angeles fire?
The fire started and spread in Pacific Palisades, an exclusive residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, located between the Santa Monica Mountains with the impressive view of the Pacific Ocean. This place is known for its quiet lifestyle, surrounded by nature and luxury.
The Palisades fire quickly consumed over 200 acres of brush and sent a huge column of smoke that was visible throughout the city. In Venice Beach, about 6 miles away, residents reported seeing the flames.
The Pacific Palisades area has a mandatory evacuation order for all residents.
Actor James Woods posted images of flames advancing through the bushes and palm trees on a hill near his home in Pacific Palisades. The huge flames rose among the ornate gardens of the large houses located on the hillside.
"I am in my driveway, getting ready to evacuate," Woods indicated in the short video posted on the social network X.
The situation could worsen in the next few hours.
Meteorologists warned that the worst may be yet to come, and forecasts indicate that the windstorm could last for several days, with isolated gusts that could exceed 100 mph in mountains and hills.
The winds had already knocked down some trees, intensified the waves, and caused an extreme risk of forest fires in areas where significant rainfall has not been recorded for several months.