According to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, around 30,000 people have been evacuated and at least 10,000 homes are under direct threat from the fire.
On the west coast of the United States, faces one of the most devastating forest fires in recent times. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes due to the rapid spread of the flames, which have already consumed around 1,200 hectares of land between the Santa Monica and Malibu neighborhoods. This area, known for its high real estate value, now lies in ruins, with more than 30,000 people evacuated and hundreds of homes destroyed. The situation is worsened by strong winds, which reach speeds of up to 130 km/h, further complicating efforts to control the fire.
The impact of fire is not just limited to the destruction of property. Several people were injured, including a firefighter who suffered a head injury. Additionally, other fires, such as the “Eaten Fire” near Pasadena and the “Hust Fire” in the Silmar region of the San Fernando Valley, also resulted in evacuations. In Topanga Canyon, flames came dangerously close to vehicles as residents fled, causing traffic jams and forcing cars to abandon the roads. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned that at least 10,000 homes are under direct threat.
In response to the crisis, the governor of Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency and released additional resources to fight the fire. President Joe Biden also offered federal assistance and had his travel plans altered due to the intense winds. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to contain the fire, using helicopters and bulldozers to clear blocked roads and facilitate evacuation.
*With information from Eliseu Caetano
*Report produced with the help of AI