Palisades Fire devastates LA County, jumps in size as winds batter Southern California
Tens of thousands have fled their homes as a brush fire in the Pacific Palisades has burned more than 17,000 acres as of Wednesday. Earlier, authorities had said the blaze could grow further with strong winds fueling its spread.
Late Thursday evening, Cal Fire reported that 300 structures had been destroyed by the fire, but during a press conference on Wednesday, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that they suspect that number is likely over 1,000.
Marrone also said they have had a significant number of injuries from residents who did not evacuate.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the Palisades Fire started at 10:30 a.m. near 1190 North Piedra Morada Dr. With winds reaching at least 40 mph, the flames quickly spread to about 200 acres and grew exponentially.