Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles Area Amid Strong Santa Ana Winds

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two fast-moving wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds tore through the Los Angeles area on Tuesday, destroying homes, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate, and creating chaotic scenes as residents fled to safety. The Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the newly ignited Eaton Fire in Altadena have left firefighters battling extreme conditions, with winds exceeding 60 mph (97 kph) and erratic fire behavior.

The Palisades Fire, which began Tuesday morning, quickly spread through the upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, burning homes and prompting evacuation orders for 30,000 residents. The fire consumed approximately 4.6 square miles (11.6 square kilometers) of land, with flames visible across the city. Firefighters faced challenges as strong winds grounded firefighting aircraft, making containment efforts difficult.

Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire erupted in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, just before 6:30 p.m. The blaze forced the evacuation of a senior living facility, with staff rushing residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to safety. The fire spread rapidly, driven by the same powerful winds that fueled the Palisades Fire.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency, described the situation as dire. “We are not out of the woods yet,” he warned, noting that the strongest winds were expected overnight. Newsom also thanked President Joe Biden, who was in Los Angeles, for federal assistance, including a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help cover firefighting costs.

Residents faced harrowing evacuations, with traffic jams and abandoned vehicles blocking roads. Some fled on foot, carrying pets and belongings. “The fire jumped from one side of the road to the other,” said resident Kelsey Trainor. “People were crying, screaming, and trying to get out.”

Firefighters warned of a long night ahead, with winds expected to intensify. Los Angeles County Fire Captain Sheila Kelliher described the firefighting effort as a “massive battle,” with unpredictable winds creating “tornado-like” columns of flames. The combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds created what officials called a “perfect storm” for wildfires.

As of Tuesday night, over 184,000 customers in Los Angeles County were without power, with utility companies implementing preventive shutoffs to reduce fire risks. The Palisades Fire, which has already burned over 1,261 acres, remains uncontained, and officials urged residents to heed evacuation orders and stay vigilant.