Voracious fire in California: 30,000 people were evacuated and the flames reached more than 1,000 hectares

A massive forest fire broke out this Tuesday in Los Angeles, Californiaand forced more than 30,000 people to evacuate their homes. Firefighters have been fighting the flames for several hours, which have already affected at least 1,000 hectares.

While the authorities investigate the origin of the fire, firefighters are fighting the flames, which have advanced over residential areas.

According to him California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), they already burned more than 1,000 hectares. Furthermore, the strong winds dispersed the flames and concern is growing about the possible spread of the fire.

“The fire is fueled by a combination of strong winds and topography, which extremely challenges our personnel,” he said. Kristin Crowleychief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Likewise, he added that “more than 10,000 houses are under threat”.

Wildfire in California: thousands evacuated due to flames

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the fire started in Pacific Palisades and some 1,170 hectares burned were recorded.

For his part, David AcuñaCAL Fire Public Information Officer and Battalion Chief revealed in an interview with CNN: “We are mainly concerned about making sure that everyone leaves the area because people’s safety is the most important part and we are helping people plan for that your pets and livestock also have a safe haven.

Meanwhile, due to the urgency of reaching a safe place, the roads became congested and many people abandoned their vehicles to flee on foot, some carrying suitcases, while the traffic jam on Palisades Drive prevented emergency vehicles from passing and An excavator was brought in to push the abandoned cars aside and make a path, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

How the fire started in California

According to witnesses, the fire started in an area of ​​low humidity and it was the winds called “Santa Ana” that caused its advance. According to meteorologists, Gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour are expected between tonight and Wednesday morning, something that could be catastrophic for the inhabitants of the area.

“Strong winds and low relative humidity will produce critical and extremely critical weather conditions in Southern California through Thursday.”reported the US Weather Service.

Gavin Newsomgovernor of California, traveled to Pacific Palisades for a recognition parade and announced that the federal government will send the necessary resources to fight the fire. “I saw firsthand the impact of these swirling winds and embers, as well as the number of structures destroyed.”he expressed in a press conference.