California is currently in a state of emergency as residents in the Pacific Palisades are urged to evacuate their homes in the face of a rapidly spreading wildfire.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the emergency declaration on Tuesday, following reports that the blaze has engulfed over 2,900 acres, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from their homes.
During a press conference in Los Angeles, Gov. Newsom addressed the severity of the situation, emphasizing the dangers posed by the accompanying windstorm. “This is a highly dangerous windstorm that’s creating extreme fire risk – and we’re not out of the woods,” he stated. “We’re already seeing the destructive impacts with this fire in Pacific Palisades that grew rapidly in a matter of minutes. Our deepest thanks go to our expert firefighters and first responders who jumped quickly into fighting this dangerous fire. If you’re in Southern California, please pay attention to weather reports and follow any guidance from emergency officials.”
The emergency declaration was made possible through the Federal Emergency Management Assistance Grant, which allows local, state, and tribal agencies involved in firefighting efforts to apply for reimbursement of 75 percent of their eligible fire suppression costs.
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More On The WildFires:
The wildfire was first reported at approximately 10:30 a.m Tuesday morning. Fueled by one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events experienced in Southern California in the last decade, it expanded by 6:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department announced that the fire had already consumed more than 2,900 acres, with the potential for further growth as strong winds were expected to continue rip through Thursday evening.
Footage captured on a street in the Palisades shows abandoned vehicles as some residents fled on foot. The fire spread so rapidly that staff at a senior living center were forced to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds to a parking lot for safety. Among those evacuated was a 102-year-old resident.
President Joe Biden has since addressed the situation late Tuesday, confirming that he was receiving regular updates on the fire’s status. “My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire,” he stated. “Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response.”
In light of the escalating situation, the Los Angeles Fire Department has reached out to all off-duty firefighters, asking them to contact their Department of Communications to report their availability to assist in the firefighting efforts.