Wildfires Flare in LA, Forcing Many to Evacuate Their Homes

Thousands of residents evacuated a raging wildfire west of Los Angeles as forecasters issued warnings for Southern California, predicting the greatest wind event in more than a decade.

The wind-driven Palisades Fire began late Tuesday morning in the Santa Monica Mountains near the Pacific Palisades area. It swiftly spread to 200 acres within an hour, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

CalFire stated that the fire had spread to over 1,200 acres by the early evening.

Wildfires force thousands of people in LA from their homes

According to LAFD Public Information Officer Erik Scott, the fire is rapidly spreading westward as a result of high winds.

An estimated 30,000 people were in or near the evacuation zone, which was anticipated to stay in force all night as gusts caused the blaze to spread erratically.

Traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard was congested as smoke could be seen in the distance from the fire. Several structures seemed to be severely damaged by the fire, although authorities have not stated how many residences were damaged or destroyed.

Even Los Angeles City leaders announced a state of emergency owing to the fire and the ongoing potential of severe winds.