Los Angeles has declared a state of emergency as a wildfire rapidly expanded from 10 acres to over 2,900 acres within hours.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported that more than 30,000 people are under evacuation orders, with 13,000 buildings at risk.
Footage from the scene shows homes burning in the Pacific Palisades area, with residents abandoning their vehicles in a desperate attempt to escape the flames.
The fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. (18:30 GMT) on Tuesday and quickly spread, fueled by 50 mph (80 km/h) wind gusts and extremely dry conditions.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned that the Pacific Palisades remains “not out of danger.”
A second brush fire has also erupted above Altadena, near Eaton Canyon, about 40 km (26 miles) inland from the Palisades, and is spreading rapidly.
Millions of Californians are under a red flag warning, indicating extreme fire danger.