Los Angeles wildfire crisis: Celebrity homes in peril
Firefighters are battling a massive fire in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, known primarily for homes belonging to celebrities. A video has appeared online showing the scale of the destruction, and the sight is heart-wrenching.
The battle against four massive fires in the Los Angeles area continues. As many as 100,000 people have been evacuated due to the fires, which are consuming numerous buildings. Smoke is rising over the city, and there is no indication that firefighters will soon gain control over the blaze.
The worst situation is in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighbourhood where many celebrity homes are located. LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, quoted by The Guardian, stated that about 1,000 buildings have been destroyed. The fire has consumed approximately 2,000 hectares (ha) of land.
The situation is worsening. Strong winds are fuelling the fire and allowing it to spread rapidly from building to building. This is why the blaze is spreading so quickly. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that 1,400 firefighters are battling the fire. The raging fire is disrupting normal life, leading to the closure of some schools in the state. Parts of the roads are impassable, and about 200,000 households are without power.
Recordings from Los Angeles: This is what it looks like after the fire
Numerous photos and videos from fire-ravaged areas are appearing online. Jonathan Vigliotti, a CBS correspondent, published footage from Pacific Palisades.
"his 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 are Oscar-nominated James Woods and Mark Hamill, known for his role as Luke Skywalker. Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, and Adam Sandler also reside in this famous district.
According to reports from American media, it can currently be confirmed 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.
