Pacific Palisades Fire

A devastating fire is burning out of control in Pacific Palisades, destroying homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate amid a potentially "life-threatening and destructive" windstorm. The fire, which broke out around 10:30 a.m. near Piedra Morada Drive, has blackened more than 1,200 acres and continues to charge southwest, fueled by intense wind gusts.

The Palisades fire has prompted widespread evacuations, with over 10,000 residents fleeing their homes in the upscale community. The fire has also forced the closure of several roads, including Sunset Boulevard, and has disrupted power services, with over 5,000 customers without electricity.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has reported that several homes have been destroyed, but a precise estimate is not yet available. Firefighters are battling the blaze, but the strong winds are making it difficult to contain the fire.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, citing an "increased risk for large fires with very rapid fire spread, extreme fire behavior, and long-range spotting." The warning remains in place across the region, with forecasters warning of a potentially destructive wind phenomenon that could bring extremely strong winds.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant to receive federal reimbursement for firefighting costs. President Biden has also scrapped plans to travel to the Coachella Valley due to the powerful winds.

Residents have described the scene as "apocalyptic," with many forced to abandon their cars and flee on foot. The fire has also prompted concerns about air quality, with ash falling from the sky along the coastline.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but officials have warned that the dry and windy conditions have created a high risk of wildfires. The Pacific Palisades fire is the latest in a series of devastating wildfires to hit California in recent years.