Fire rages through celebrity enclave of Pacific Palisades
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades. It is known primarily for residences belonging to celebrities. A video has appeared online showing the scale of the destruction. The sight is heart-wrenching.
The battle against four massive fires in the Los Angeles area continues. As many as 100,000 people have had to evacuate due to the fire, which is consuming many buildings. Smoke rises over the city. There is no indication that firefighters will soon be able to control the blaze.
The worst situation is in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighbourhood where many residences belonging to celebrities are located. Quoted by the Guardian, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone stated that about 1,000 buildings have been destroyed. The fire has consumed about 2,000 hectares of land.
The situation is only getting worse. This is largely due to strong winds, which fuel the fire and allow it to move freely from building to building. That is why the blaze is spreading so quickly. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that 1,400 firefighters are battling the fire. The raging fire disrupts normal functioning. Some schools in the state have been closed, and parts of the roads are impassable. About 200,000 households are without power.
Recordings from Los Angeles. This is how it looks after the fire
Numerous photos and videos from fire-ravaged areas are appearing online. Jonathan Vigliotti, a CBS correspondent, published footage from Pacific Palisades.
"This is what’s left of the Pacific Palisades. The mall survived. Most everything else is gone. Homes, apartment complexes… businesses," wrote the journalist.
Many celebrities have evacuated from Los Angeles. Among them were Oscar-nominated James Woods and Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker. Also residing in the famous district are Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, and Adam Sandler.
According to reports from American media, it can currently be said that two people have died as a result of the fire. The true toll of the tragedy will likely only be known once the fire is extinguished.