Hell of fire and flames in the hills of Los Angeles , where over 80 thousand people are under evacuation order due to a large fire that broke out in Pacific Palisades , west of the city. Flames licking buildings and villas, columns of black smoke, streets clogged with cars abandoned by drivers and passengers fleeing amid ash and violent gusts of wind. These are the images shared by those who live in the city that has already declared a state of emergency. President Joe Biden had to cancel his trip to Coachella, east of the Californian metropolis, planned to inaugurate two national monuments.

At least two people were killed and a “significant” number of injuries were reported , Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone said at a news conference.

The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. on January 7 (7:30 p.m. in Italy) on the hills that drop sheer to the sea and less than six hours later had already devoured more than 500 hectares, fueled by the dryness of the soil and "dangerous and destructive" winds that are currently battering Southern California. A weather alert is active in the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange, home to millions of people .

Despite orders to evacuate residents, evacuations are taking place in a chaotic and frenetic manner through the winding roads that cross the canyons and the famous Pacific Coast Highway, the only artery that allows drainage, is completely clogged. According to fire officials, the fire threatens about 13,000 buildings, especially homes and areas near the Getty Villa art museum in Malibu. According to the forecast of the Los Angeles County Fire Chief, Pacific Palisades will not be out of danger "until tomorrow", when the wind - according to the forecast - should decrease.

(Unioneonline/vf)

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