A fierce wildfire continues to devastate Los Angeles, triggering mass evacuations, including for residents and high-profile celebrities.
The fire, which started in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, January 7, has rapidly expanded, spreading to Altadena hours later.
As the flames devoured homes and threatened entire neighborhoods, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, warning that the worst might still be ahead.
While the fire spread uncontrollably through the Santa Monica Mountains, many residents had to evacuate in haste, some fleeing on foot when roads became impassable.
Emmy-winning actor James Woods was among the evacuees, sharing on social media that his neighbor’s home had been lost in the blaze.
The situation worsened as desperate residents scrambled to escape, with many abandoning their cars in the streets. Kelsey Trainor, one of the evacuees, recalled the chaos: “People were getting out of the cars with their dogs and babies… the road was just blocked like full-on blocked for an hour,” she said, visibly shaken by the experience.
READ ALSO: Woman Arrested for Fatally Stabbing USPS Worker Over Deli Dispute in Harlem
In the midst of the crisis, Hollywood star Steve Guttenberg took to the streets to help clear the way for emergency responders.
He urged residents to leave their keys in abandoned cars to ensure that fire trucks could get through.
As the fire continued to consume dry land, authorities have now extended evacuation orders to parts of Santa Monica.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is urging all off-duty personnel to report for duty as the fire is far from contained.
The wildfire, which began as a small brush fire, has now scorched over 200 acres, spreading at an alarming rate due to strong winds.
Residents in surrounding areas have been told to evacuate immediately as authorities battle to save lives and property.