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Raging wildfires raze across California, firefighters battle blaze amid evacuations | N18G

A powerful wildfire, fueled by extreme winds, is sweeping through the hills of Los Angeles, affecting neighborhoods with celebrity homes, including Pacific Palisades. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, with about 30,000 people displaced and over 13,000 structures at risk. Many residents were forced to abandon their cars and flee on foot due to blocked roads. The fire started amid a fierce Santa Ana windstorm, expected to be the strongest in over a decade, with gusts potentially reaching up to 100 mph in mountainous areas. Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the destruction of multiple structures, though an exact count was not provided. Emergency responders have been working to control the blaze, while residents in areas like Altadena faced rapid evacuations. Despite no reported injuries, officials warned that the worst of the windstorm and fire danger is still ahead, with the winds expected to last for days.

first published: Jan 8, 2025 05:42 pm