In pictures: Dramatic scenes as wildfires sweep through west LA
The blaze started in the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, and quickly spread with strong winds and dry conditions
- Published
A wildfire that started in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Tuesday morning has spread across the west of the city at an alarming rate throughout Tuesday and overnight.
High winds and very dry conditions further fuelled the flames, causing the blaze to rip through neighbourhoods at alarming speeds. The fires reportedly spread from a size of 10 acres to nearly 3,000 in a matter of hours.
Firefighters have been battling the flames throughout the night, as residents were forced to flee amid evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of people.
Photographers have captured dramatic scenes across the west of the city as firefighters work to control the fires.
Thick smoke has engulfed huge areas of the city as wind gusts of more than 80mph (126km/h) fanned the flames
The BBC's Regan Morris reported on fires raging out of control, leaving those without power and phone signal unable to receive updates on the latest evacuation alerts.
Meanwhile, CBS reporter Jonathan Vigliotti said firefighters were no longer "trying to save" houses in the Palisades, "they're trying to prevent these flames from jumping to other neighbourhoods".
Firefighters battled windy conditions as debris blew through residential areas
California Governor Gavin Newsom said that more than 1400 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the "unprecedented" fires
Police officers have been out on the streets, escorting people to safety and aiding evacuation efforts
Los Angeles County firefighters took up positions to tackle the blaze
More than 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate the area
Beachfront homes along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu are at risk of being engulfed by the flames
Firefighters had to dodge residents evacuating areas affected by the fires
They deployed water cannons to extinguish the flames in affected areas
The Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles borders well-known Malibu and Santa Monica
People rushed to gather important belongings and pets while fleeing
The usually iconic-looking palm trees of Los Angeles have bent and burned in the wake of the wildfires
Helicopters worked alongside fire officers to try and stop the spread across hilly, wooded areas of west LA
Weary firefighters have been battling the wildfires throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday