A wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations Tuesday, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region.

Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the almost 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) blaze engulfing an area packed with multimillion-dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Firefighters used bulldozers to push dozens of vehicles – including expensive models like BMWs, Teslas and Mercedes – to one side, leaving many crumpled and with their alarms blaring.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said despite the chaotic evacuation, there were no immediate reports of any deaths or injuries.

Hundreds of firefighters swarmed the area, attacking the blaze from the ground and from the air, while crews worked in steep terrain to cut back vegetation and create firebreaks.

Around 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate the fast-spreading flames, which leveled multiple homes as powerful winds spread embers far and wide.

“We are not out of danger,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, speaking at an afternoon press conference, adding that the winds are expected to pick up.

– ‘Everyone panicked’ –
The fire erupted midmorning and swelled quickly, taking many residents by surprise.

One man, who gave his name as Gary, told broadcaster KTLA hot ashes were raining down on his community of Sea Ridge.

“There was smoke in the distance, and I was assured that it would not come over the hill… Five minutes later, it’s coming down the hill,” he said. “Everyone panicked, that’s when everybody made a run and went to go and pack their houses up.”

Evacuee Kelsey Trainor said she saw the fire explode in size as she was fleeing.

“By the time we got to the bottom of the hill, which is about two or three miles, there were flames on both sides of the road, and it became gridlocked,” she said.

“No one knew what to do. Everyone was honking their horns. There’s flames all around you.

“I could see people walking with suitcases, with their dogs, children. An elderly woman was really visibly upset and in tears.”

Pacific Palisades resident Andrew Hires told AFP he got a text alerting him to the fire as his child was at the dentist about to have a tooth extracted.

“We pulled off the mask and ran to the car,” he said.

– ‘A rough night’ –
The fire came as the area was being hit by seasonal Santa Ana winds that forecasters said could develop into the worst windstorm in a decade, with gusts of up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour expected.

“This looks pretty, pretty concerning,” said meteorologist Daniel Swain.

“It’s going to be, I think, a rough night. And what’s going on now is only just the beginning, because weather conditions are going to get a lot worse.”

With a huge pall of smoke visible over the whole of Los Angeles, events throughout the area were cancelled, including a red-carpet premiere of Jennifer Lopez’s new film “Unstoppable.”

US President Joe Biden – who was in Los Angeles for a planned announcement on new national monuments – was briefed on the incident, the White House said.

The president has approved federal aid to help California tackle the blaze, Governor Gavin Newsom said.

“No politics, no hand wringing, no kissing the feet. The president of the United States said, ‘Yes. What else do you need?’” he told reporters.

Incoming president Donald Trump has previously threatened to withhold wildfire aid from Democrat-run California.

Wildfires are an expected part of life in the US West and play a vital role in nature.

But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns.

Southern California had two decades of drought that were followed by two exceptionally wet years, which sparked furious vegetative growth – leaving the region packed with fuel and primed to burn.

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has attributed his career progression to the grace of God as he celebrates his 60th birthday on Wednesday, January 8.

Kyari, whose journey began as an Almajiri pupil, reflected on his extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. In a heartfelt post shared on his social media, Kyari expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he has received, particularly from former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, who allowed him to serve in crucial roles within the nation’s energy sector.

He wrote:

“Allah, by His grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar. I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. Even more particularly, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.”

Kyari acknowledged the significant events and challenges he has faced throughout his life, describing his experiences as a mixture of good and bad times, triumphs and setbacks, and joys and pains—emphasizing that only the grace of Allah could explain his journey.

Reflecting on the milestone, he shared:

“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain. At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.”God Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari

Kyari also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his family, friends, associates, and colleagues at NNPCL for their unwavering support throughout his career. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, particularly due to his demanding role, and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally or inadvertently hurt.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good. My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (westernGod Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing. This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

Kyari’s 60th birthday marks not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of his significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector, where he has led the transformation of the NNPC into a major player in Africa’s energy industry.

Elon Musk, father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has confirmed that his son has expressed interest in buying Liverpool Football Club, though he stopped short of confirming any actual purchase plans.

In an interview, when asked about rumors connecting Elon Musk to the potential acquisition of the Premier League club, Errol initially deflected the question, saying, “I can’t comment on that. They’ll raise the price,” followed by a laugh. However, he later admitted, “Oh, yes. But that doesn’t mean he’s buying it. He would like to, yes, obviously. Anybody would want to – so would I!”

Errol Musk also noted the family’s personal connection to Liverpool, adding, “His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives there. We were fortunate to know quite a lot of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family. So, we are attached to Liverpool, you know.”

While Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the current owners of Liverpool FC, have not made an official statement regarding the matter, the acknowledgment of Elon Musk’s interest adds fuel to the ongoing speculation. However, no formal negotiations have been confirmed.

Elon Musk, currently the richest person in the world, is well known for owning major companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). He is also a prominent figure within the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump.