A massive wildfire erupted in Pacific Palisades, an affluent area of Los Angeles, United States, on Tuesday, January 7, forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate as flames engulfed homes and spread rapidly under fierce winds. The blaze, which has already scorched over 1,262 acres (510 hectares), sent plumes of smoke billowing across the city, choking the air and creating traffic gridlock as residents fled.
The fire, driven by gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, ignited near the ridge of Palisades Drive and Lachman Lane and swiftly moved toward the coast. "The wind was howling... blowing right down to the beach," said local resident Michael Cardenas, who watched as embers lit palm trees along Sunset Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Emergency crews, including firefighters and aircraft, worked tirelessly to battle the flames, scooping water from the sea to douse the inferno. Bulldozers cleared abandoned vehicles from roads, while some residents were forced to flee on foot as traffic snarled on the limited escape routes from the canyon.
The fire comes after a prolonged dry spell and amid "red flag" warnings issued by the National Weather Service. The agency predicted Santa Ana winds—known for their dry, gusty power—would hit speeds of 50 to 80 mph across much of Los Angeles County, with some mountain areas experiencing gusts as high as 100 mph.
Residents expressed fear for the safety of people and animals. "Property damage is one thing, but losing lives, pets, and horses is what really matters," Cardenas said, as firefighters worked tirelessly to protect neighborhoods at risk.
Officials warned that the worst wind conditions were expected overnight, raising concerns that the fire could spread further and force more evacuations. As the flames advanced, scenes of devastation unfolded, with apartment buildings shrouded in smoke, homes reduced to ashes, and emergency vehicles lining the streets.
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Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has barricaded himself in his Seoul residence for a fifth day as authorities seek his arrest on insurrection charges. Amid rising protests and tensions, the standoff follows Yoon's controversial martial law decree and subsequent impeachment.
Devastating wildfires fueled by powerful winds force mass evacuations in Los Angeles, scorching homes and landmarks as firefighters battle uncontained blazes across the region.
Poland has closed its Consulate General in St. Petersburg after Russia ordered its shutdown in retaliation for Warsaw’s closure of the Russian consulate in Poznań. The move highlights escalating diplomatic tensions, with both sides accusing each other of hostile actions.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
Fuel vendors in Damascus are thriving in the post-Assad era, providing much-needed gasoline and diesel to Syrians after years of repression under the former regime. The shift has brought newfound freedom and relief from years of repression.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has barricaded himself in his Seoul residence for a fifth day as authorities seek his arrest on insurrection charges. Amid rising protests and tensions, the standoff follows Yoon's controversial martial law decree and subsequent impeachment.
Devastating wildfires fueled by powerful winds force mass evacuations in Los Angeles, scorching homes and landmarks as firefighters battle uncontained blazes across the region.
Poland has closed its Consulate General in St. Petersburg after Russia ordered its shutdown in retaliation for Warsaw’s closure of the Russian consulate in Poznań. The move highlights escalating diplomatic tensions, with both sides accusing each other of hostile actions.
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Fuel vendors in Damascus are thriving in the post-Assad era, providing much-needed gasoline and diesel to Syrians after years of repression under the former regime. The shift has brought newfound freedom and relief from years of repression.
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