California authorities issue ‘imminent threat to life’ warning as Palisades locals flee raging fire
A massive inferno tearing its way through Los Angeles has officially turned deadly as authorities urge the 20,000 residents of the Pacific Palisades to flee.
The California Department of Forest and Fire Protection warned residents Tuesday evening that there is an “imminent threat” to their lives.
“This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW,” the department said. “The area is legally closed to the public.”
The evacuation notice has caused a gridlock on Sunset Boulevard as LA residents flee, leaving behind their mansions as the fire spreads to 800 acres.
It wasn’t reported until around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, as authorities described the flames as a burner.
The fire was fueled by what California authorities called “life-threatening, destructive” winds, causing the blaze to quickly spread across the area.
The fire that swept through Los Angeles spread to 2,000 acres late Tuesday
This is a current news item and will be updated.