A devastating wildfire is sweeping through Los Angeles, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes, with many elderly residents fleeing in their pajamas and without shoes. The Palisades Fire, which started on Tuesday morning, has already burned over 3,000 acres of land, with authorities warning that the worst is yet to come.
Strong winds, reaching up to 80 mph, have fueled the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. The winds have also grounded firefighting planes, leaving crews to battle the fire from the ground. The situation is eerily similar to other wildfires that have ravaged California in recent years.
The evacuation process has been chaotic, with traffic congestion making it difficult for people to flee. Many residents have abandoned their cars on clogged highways, opting to flee on foot instead. Firefighters have had to remove cars from the streets to make way for emergency vehicles.
The elderly have been particularly affected, with many being evacuated from care facilities. At The Terraces at Park Marino assisted living home, staff hastily evacuated 95 patients, many of whom were in wheelchairs or on gurneys. The patients were taken to a nearby 7-Eleven parking lot, where they waited for further assistance.
As authorities struggle to contain the fire, concerns are growing that the situation will worsen. Climate scientist Daniel Swain warned that the combination of dry weather and strong winds is a recipe for disaster. Governor Gavin Newsom echoed these concerns, stating that firefighters are preparing for the possibility of more fires breaking out.
The city of Santa Monica has deployed mutual aid to support firefighting efforts, while officials in Pasadena are warning residents to stay away from the Rose Bowl Stadium parking lots, which are being used as a command post for firefighters.
The National Weather Service has issued a “particularly dangerous situation” warning for Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, citing extreme fire hazard due to strong winds and low humidity. The warning is in effect until Thursday, with Swain predicting that the fire danger will remain high throughout the week.
As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, residents are on edge, fearing the worst is yet to come. The Palisades Fire has already caused significant damage, and with conditions expected to worsen, it’s unclear when the situation will improve.
