Please send prayers and strength tonight is the repeat call on Social Media to everyone in Los Angeles affected by these devastating fires. Los Angeles is in a state of emergency and over 30,000 have been ordered to evacuate.
“Run for your lives!” a LAPD Police Officers yelled at passengers in cars stuck in heavy traffic on Sunset Boulevard and Palisades Drive.
The famous highway tourists from around the world love, Highway 1 from Malibu to Santa Monica was closed while dangerous fires were raging and destroying homes.
Wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph have been recorded in Los Angeles today and gusts are expected to peak between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Evacuations
- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued from Merrimac Road west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard and south to Pacific Coast Highway, according to the LAFD.
- Topanga Canyon Beach and Tuna Canyon Park in Los Angeles County are also under mandatory evacuation orders.
- The swath between Carbon Beach in Malibu and Las Flores Canyon Road up to Piuma Road is under an evacuation warning. Fire officials have warned the surrounding area to be prepared to leave quickly
In the afternoon, the majority of Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu received evacuation orders due to nearby fires. Residents encountered heavy smoke and traffic congestion as they attempted to flee.
The fire had blackened more than 2,900 acres by 6:30 p.m as it continued to charge southwest.
Around 3:30 p.m., approximately 30,000 individuals had been evacuated from 10,000 residences without any reported injuries. Firefighters received and addressed over six calls regarding residents who were trapped in buildings throughout the day.
California Governor Gavin Newsom held a meeting with first responders in Pacific Palisades, where he described the ongoing fire as an unfortunate way to begin the new year.
He emphasized the importance of residents following evacuation orders. Later that same day, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency and revealed that California successfully obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant, ensuring federal reimbursement for firefighting expenses.
Some jumped out of their stalled cars to run toward the beach; others who were unable to get out were forced to return home and shelter in place, residents told the LA Times Times.
An extremely rare PDS red flag warning has been issued! Very strong, widespread, and destructive north to northeast windstorm bring extremely critical fire weather conditions to many areas of Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties into early Wednesday afternoon.
