Wildfires in California Destroy Thousands of Homes in Los Angeles, Displacing Millions

Wildfires in California Destroy Thousands of Homes in Los Angeles, Displacing Millions

Los Angeles, California: Intense winds have fueled wildfires across California, devastating various areas of Los Angeles, destroying many homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee to safety. The wildfire, which started Tuesday night, spread rapidly, affecting numerous areas of the city and causing major traffic blockages on highways.

The first fire broke out north of Los Angeles near a nature preserve, where staff at a senior living center had to move residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to a parking lot on the street. There, they waited for ambulances, buses, and construction vans to evacuate them to safety.

Another fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades area, home to many celebrity residences, and spread quickly, with people abandoning their vehicles and fleeing on foot. The roads became clogged with vehicles, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach the affected areas. Bulldozers were used to move the abandoned cars, but the fire continued to spread.

Simultaneously, a third fire led to evacuation orders in the Sylmar area. Firefighters have warned that the situation may worsen from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning as the Santa Ana winds, blowing at speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h), increase the fire's spread.

California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the area and noted that many homes had been destroyed by the fire. He warned residents, saying, "This is not over yet; the situation could get worse in the coming hours."

Additionally, the Los Angeles Unified School District has relocated students from three schools in the Pacific Palisades area, and two movie premieres have been canceled due to the fire. Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency, fearing that the situation could escalate further.