A raging wildfire erupted overnight in the Sepulveda Pass area of Los Angeles, forcing residents in some of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods to flee.
A witness first notified the California Highway Patrol that flames were burning along the 405 Freeway around 1:32 a.m., the CHP said in a press release.
The blaze, known locally as the Getty Fire, quickly exploded and is burning near the Getty Center museum. As of 9 a.m., the fire had consumed more than 500 acres, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman, Captain Erik Scott.
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The flames have damaged at least five homes, Scott said in comments carried live by local television stations.
At around 2:45 a.m., the fire department sent residents in the area an emergency alert on their cell phones, warning them to prepare to evacuate due to the fire.
Among those affected was Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
“Man these LA aren’t no joke. Had to emergency evacuate my house and I’ve been driving around with my family trying to get rooms. No luck so far!” James tweeted at 3:53 a.m. PT.
Jon Passantino, LA Bureau chief for Buzzfeed News, said police were waking people up.
“Police are driving through westside LA neighborhoods waking people up and ordering them out,” Passatino tweeted at 4:55 a.m.
Former California first lady Maria Shriver said she was forced to grab her belongings and leave.
“So grateful to our firefighters putting their lives on the line for all of us. We have evacuated, but we’re safe. Praying for our neighbors,” Shriver tweeted.
Actress and author, Holly Robinson Pete, said her neighborhood was filling with smoke.
“Helicopters, high winds. Smoke Ash…405 closed nightmare Stay safe!!!” she tweeted.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tweeted a link to emergency services, including evacuation centers and pet shelters, for anyone unable to find a place to stay.
For updates go to https://www.lafd.org/news/getty-fire
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