Home / Disasters and Accidents / LA Wildfires Explode: Embers Ignite Chaos
LA Wildfires Explode: Embers Ignite Chaos
24 Dec
Summary
- Fires rapidly spread, astonishing officials with explosive fuel consumption.
- Eaton Canyon fire created a firestorm, forcing nursing home evacuations.
- High winds and flying embers make firefighting extremely difficult.
Fierce winds have ignited volatile wildfires across the Los Angeles region, with one blaze in Pacific Palisades consuming nearly 3,000 acres by Tuesday night. Fire officials expressed astonishment at the speed and intensity of the fires, describing how embers were "blowing everywhere" and causing the flames to "explode" as they encountered new fuel.
Near Pasadena, a separate fire in Eaton Canyon generated its own firestorm, igniting numerous spot fires and consuming an estimated 1,000 acres. This blaze engulfed homes and necessitated the evacuation of over 100 residents from a nursing facility, many requiring immediate assistance in wheelchairs and on gurneys.
The escalating situation prompted mandatory evacuations in parts of Santa Monica and widespread power outages affecting over 200,000 customers. Nineteen school districts announced closures for Wednesday due to the fires and adverse weather conditions, while the cause of the initial Pacific Palisades fire remained under investigation.
