A fast-moving wildfire swept through the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of 30,000 residents as flames engulfed homes and sent plumes of smoke billowing across the city.  

The fire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, rapidly spread across 2,921 acres, prompting widespread evacuations and creating traffic chaos.  

"We feel very blessed at this point that there are no injuries reported," said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, acknowledging the significant threat to the 10,000 homes within the evacuation zone.

Firefighters battled the blaze from the ground and air, utilizing aircraft to scoop water from the ocean and drop it on the flames.  

The Getty Villa, a renowned museum, suffered some damage to trees on its grounds, but the valuable art collection remained unharmed due to preemptive fire-prevention measures.  

The blaze ignited amid a severe weather warning issued by the National Weather Service, which predicted powerful winds and extremely dry conditions.  

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and deployed additional resources to combat the fire and address potential threats across Southern California. "We're anticipating other fires happening concurrently," Newsom warned.  

A separate fire, the Eaton Fire, broke out near Pasadena, burning 200 acres.

The severe weather also impacted President Joe Biden's travel plans, grounding Air Force One in Los Angeles.

This incident highlights the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in California, a consequence of climate change. (ILKHA)