08.01.2025 15:20
In the Pacific Palisades area of California, a forest fire broke out yesterday around 9:30 PM local time, destroying approximately 3,000 acres of land, and a state of emergency was declared in Los Angeles. Among those evacuated from the area were several celebrities, while U.S. President Joe Biden urged affected citizens to be cautious and to heed the warnings of local authorities.
In the luxurious Pacific Palisades area of California, USA, a forest fire that has spread to residential areas has so far burned 2,921 acres. A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles.
"THE FIRE IS STILL GROWING"
The fight against the forest fire, which started in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, California, and has spread to homes, businesses, and vehicles, continues. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the flames have so far turned 2,921 acres into ash. The flames have also spread to the famous Palisades Charter High School, where many Hollywood films have been shot, and a nearby elementary school. Classes have been suspended in some schools. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated at a press conference, "Not a few, but many structures have already been destroyed, and the fire is still growing."
A STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED IN LOS ANGELES
Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that several people were injured, and one firefighter was hospitalized with a serious head injury.
So far, 220,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles County have lost power, and it has been reported that more than 13,000 structures are at risk.
CELEBRITIES HAVE ALSO BEEN EVACUATED
Among the 30,000 people who were ordered to evacuate are actors Eugene Levy and James Woods. James Woods shared on his social media account, "Thank you to all the wonderful people who reached out to us for your concern. I just wanted to let you know that we were able to successfully evacuate. I don't know if our house is still standing, but unfortunately, the houses on our small street are not." Levy mentioned that he saw heavy smoke while stuck in traffic during the evacuation.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DISPLACED
Shortly after the Pacific Palisades fire, two more fires broke out in Los Angeles County. The Hurst fire, north of San Fernando, has spread over 500 acres, and evacuation orders have been issued for more than 44,000 people, with 40,000 structures at risk. The Eaton fire in Altadena, located 40 kilometers away from the Pacific Palisades area, has covered 1,000 acres. While 19,000 people were evacuated, it was reported that 8,200 structures are at risk.
CALL FROM BIDEN
US President Joe Biden urged residents in the affected areas to be cautious and heed local officials' warnings. According to a statement from the White House, Biden, who is being frequently updated about the fire, offered federal assistance to state and local officials. Biden stated, "My administration will do everything it can to support the response." US Vice President Kamala Harris also indicated that federal resources would be provided in the fight against the fire.
MORE THAN 1,400 FIREFIGHTERS ARE WORKING
The firefighting efforts continue with more than 1,400 firefighters.