Pacific Palisades awoke to a massive wildfire on Tuesday morning at 10.30 am. The Santa Ana winds fanned the already fast-spreading fire, which consumed more than 2,900 acres within a few hours. Officials have termed it as possibly the largest such wind event across Southern California in a decade.
By 6:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed the fire’s significant growth, warning it could spread further as winds remained strong.
Governor Newsom Addresses the Crisis
In Los Angeles, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a press conference with local officials addressing the severity of the fire. He emphasised the danger posed by the extreme winds and their role in fueling the fire.
“This windstorm is creating an extreme fire risk, and we’re not out of the woods yet,” Newsom stated. “Our firefighters and first responders acted quickly and we’re deeply grateful for their efforts. If you’re in Southern California, stay informed and follow emergency guidance.”
State of Emergency Declared
A state of emergency was declared by Governor Newsom to be able to aid firefighting efforts. This allows local, state, and tribal agencies to apply for federal disaster assistance covering 75% of qualifying firefighting costs. The Federal Emergency Management Assistance Grant approved this declaration, ensuring additional resources are available.
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President Biden Offers Federal Support
Amid the wildfire panic, President Joe Biden has also pledged his assistance at the federal level. He indicated his team’s continued engagement with state and local officials.
“My administration will do everything it can to support the response,” Biden said. He also announced FEMA’s approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help California cover immediate firefighting expenses.
LAFD Calls for Additional Help
In response to the magnitude of the wildfire, the LAFD called on off-duty firefighters to lend a hand. Firefighters were asked to report their availability to the Department of Communications at (213) 576-8962.
Authorities are encouraging Southern Californians to keep track of the weather and heed evacuation orders and safety measures. The fire continues to grow, and therefore taking precautions is very important.
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