LOS ANGELES: Two fast-moving wildfires erupted on Tuesday in the Los Angeles area, causing widespread destruction, forcing thousands to evacuate, and endangering multi-million dollar homes. The first fire, known as the Eaton Fire, ignited around 6:30 p.m. in Altadena, near a nature preserve. The fire spread quickly, prompting the urgent evacuation of a senior care facility. Staff rushed to evacuate residents, some in wheelchairs and hospital beds, moving them to a nearby parking lot until ambulances arrived to transport them to safety.

Earlier that day, another wildfire began tearing through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood along the coast, a wealthy area known for its celebrity residents. The fire spread rapidly, destroying multiple homes and forcing evacuations. Fierce winds, exceeding 60 mph, fueled the flames, and the Los Angeles Fire Department had to call in off-duty firefighters for assistance. The high winds grounded firefighting aircraft, significantly hindering efforts to control the flames.

As the Pacific Palisades fire intensified, local roads became congested with evacuees, some abandoning their cars and fleeing on foot. Many were seen carrying suitcases as they scrambled to escape the dangerous blaze.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was in Southern California for the unveiling of a national monument by President Joe Biden, made an unexpected visit to the Pacific Palisades to witness the devastation firsthand. He observed significant damage to homes and structures, but officials have yet to confirm the exact number of buildings destroyed. Around 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders, and more than 13,000 buildings remained at risk.

The fire, which began around 10:30 a.m., was fueled by a powerful Santa Ana windstorm described as “life-threatening” by the National Weather Service. The storm, the strongest in over a decade, intensified as winds reached up to 100 mph in mountain and foothill areas that had been dry for months. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but no injuries have been reported. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire continued to burn in Altadena, located about 25 miles northeast of the city.

In Pacific Palisades, a photographer captured images of luxury mansions engulfed by flames, as helicopters dropped water to contain the blaze. Evacuations led to road congestion, with people fleeing toward the Pacific Coast Highway. Some residents frantically returned to their homes to rescue pets. Among the homes affected were those in exclusive gated communities.

Will Adams, a long-time resident, rushed to pick up his children from school as the fire approached. His wife’s car was hit by embers during their evacuation. Actor James Woods shared footage of the flames raging through nearby yards, while actor Steve Guttenberg urged evacuees to leave their car keys behind to allow fire trucks easier access. President Biden has pledged federal support and is coordinating with local authorities to address the ongoing devastation.