Sacramento: Wildfires raging across Southern California forced thousands of people, including several celebrities, to evacuate their homes. The fires, which started in Pacific Palisades, near Los Angeles, have engulfed over 12,000 acres of land, destroying thousands of buildings and leaving many residents displaced.
Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore, Maria Shriver, and Mark Hamill were among those who evacuated as the flames spread rapidly due to strong winds. Maria Shriver described the devastation on social media as “heartbreaking and beyond belief,” while actor James Woods shared how his neighborhood was engulfed by flames.
Fire disrupts Hollywood, local life
The wildfires disrupted major Hollywood events, including Critics Choice Awards and Oscar nominations, which have been delayed. Popular TV shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and Grey’s Anatomy halted production due to safety concerns, while public access to the iconic Hollywood sign was blocked, as reported by Reuters. Film permits were also revoked in some areas to ensure the safety of crews.
Pacific Palisades, known for its picturesque setting and celebrity homes, has been hit particularly hard. The neighbourhood, located between Santa Monica and Malibu, saw entire streets lined with burning houses. Actor Henry Winkler called the situation “biblical,” while Jamie Lee Curtis urged people to pray for those affected.
The fire, fueled by dry winds, started on January 7 at 10.30 am local time and has since escalated. Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that over 5,000 acres have burned, and approximately 1,000 buildings have been destroyed. Five people have lost their lives and many others have been injured.
Thousands evacuated as fires spread
Authorities have evacuated more than 30,000 residents to safer areas as the flames continue to spread. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams working tirelessly to control the blaze. Videos shared on social media show towering flames consuming homes and forests.
In addition to the Pacific Palisades fire, two other blazes have been reported in California’s northern foothills. The Eaton fire in Altadena, near Pasadena, has spread to 400 acres, while Palisades Drive fire expanded to 3,000 acres within hours.
