Los Angeles wildfire live updates: Thousands flee as California battles wildfires, power outages; State of emergency declared – The Times of India

Los Angeles was gripped by chaos on Wednesday as wildfires, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, ravaged the region. Pacific Palisades, home to multimillion-dollar residences, saw intense destruction as flames engulfed homes and landmarks like Temescal Canyon and parts of the Palisades Charter High School. The infernos were accompanied by dramatic plumes of smoke visible for miles, turning the skies ominously dark.

Inland foothills were not spared, as a fire near a nature preserve forced emergency evacuations of senior citizens, some in wheelchairs, who waited in parking lots until transport arrived. Meanwhile, Pacific Palisades residents faced roadblocks as abandoned cars clogged routes. A bulldozer was deployed to clear paths for emergency vehicles.

Firefighters struggled against the high winds, which reached 100 mph in some areas, and dry conditions that intensified the spread. With over 30,000 residents evacuated and 200,000 without power, the situation prompted a plea for off-duty firefighters to join efforts. Aerial firefighting was impossible due to the fierce winds, leaving ground crews overwhelmed.

Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency, while President Biden cancelled plans to visit Riverside County, instead approving federal relief. The blazes scorched iconic areas and crossed famous roads like Sunset Boulevard, leaving parts of Malibu in ashes. Residents described embers flying through the air and transformers exploding as winds fanned the flames.

With no rain in sight and red flag warnings persisting, firefighters remain in a race against time to save lives and properties, with little relief expected from the unrelenting weather conditions.