Los Angeles fire forces the evacuation of 30,000 residents and spreads uncontrollably

• Uncontrolled fire affects Pacific Palisade.
• Evacuation of 30,000 people in Los Angeles.
• Threatens 13,000 structures and 10,000 homes.

A rapidly advancing wildfire has forced the evacuation of 30,000 people in the exclusive Pacific Palisade neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The flames, driven by strong winds, threaten more than 10,000 homes and around 13,000 structures, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley.

The fire began this Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. local time and, within hours, spread to cover 1,200 acres (485 hectares), according to the Los Angeles Fire Department (CalFire).

The authorities declared a state of emergency in the region, anticipating adverse weather conditions that could intensify the incident.

Fire causes mass evacuation in Pacific Palisade

«Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour (more than 90 km/h) are expected to continue through Thursday, which could help fuel fire activity,» Cal Fire added.

According to CalFire, winds have been a key factor in the spread of the fire.

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The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that Southern California faces a wind storm that will primarily impact Los Angeles and Ventura counties in the coming days.

Images released by local media show a sky covered in smoke visible from Santa Monica. Meanwhile, rescue teams are working hard to contain the flames and protect properties.

STATE OF EMERGENCY IN LOS ANGELES

Pacific Palisade is known for being home to Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler and Michael Keaton, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

The authorities urge the residents to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions.

The priority is to safeguard lives and minimize property damage in one of the most exclusive areas of Los Angeles.

«High winds and low relative humidity will produce critical and extremely critical weather conditions in Southern California through Thursday,» reads an advisory on the NWS website.

*With information from EFE news

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