The most populous city in the US state of California, Los Angeles, is grappling with the horrific wildfire affecting over 2,900 acres and growing.

“California has deployed 1400+ firefighting personnel and hundreds of prepositioned assets to combat these unprecedented fires in LA,” said Governor of California, Gavin Newsom.

“Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives,” he added.

California has deployed 1400+ firefighting personnel & hundreds of prepositioned assets to combat these unprecedented fires in LA.

Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives.

— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 8, 2025

Newsom declared a state emergency on Wednesday as the Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles County, which already burnt over 1,200 acres by then.

At least 30,000 people have evacuated in California on Tuesday, as per US media.

The White House has mobilised federal resources and funding to control the wildfire.

“Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is deployed in LA to support areas that are impacted and help reimburse the state of California for the immediate firefighting costs. My Administration will do everything it can to support the response,” said US President Joe Biden.

‘Evacuate now’

On Wednesday, Malibu authorities urged residents to evacuate.

“All residents not under evacuation orders prepare to leave. #PalisadesFire is uncontained, fueled by Santa Ana winds. Evacuate now, especially if you need extra time or have pets/livestock,” wrote the City of Malibu X account.

As per media reports, over 1,00,000 customers are out of power across California, according to the tracking website poweroutages.us.Thousands of people in the posh Pacific Palisades community have been forced to evacuate, as per media reports.

LA is popular as a celeb abode as residences of celebrities including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, basketball star Kawhi Leonard and James Wood are in the area.

“I took this last night from our beautiful little home in the Palisades. Now all the fire alarms are going off at once remotely. It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say,” said American actor Wood on X sharing a video from his LA residence.