Residents left reeling in wake of devastating Pacific Palisades fire
At least five wildfires in the Los Angeles area have killed five people and turned lush neighborhoods into ash.
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (KFSN) -- A wind-driven fire has burned through thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes in Pacific Palisades.
The Palisades Fire rapidly grew to over 15,000 acres within 24 hours after it sparked Tuesday.
Residents in Pacific Palisades began returning home Wednesday to find their homes and more than half of their beloved community leveled.
RELATED: Fatalities confirmed as Southern California wildfires rage
"Unfortunately, I lost my place of work yesterday. I saw it on the news completely inflames so out of a job right now, but all I can do is pray pray for my house pray for the Palisades and community. That's all I can do," said Kian Elyashar.
The tight-knit neighborhoods of the coastal area first went up in flames on Tuesday.
Gusty winds sent embers flying faster than firefighters could respond.
Some residents became trapped while trying to escape from the intense flames.
You can stay up to date on the latest information for the Palisades Fire by clicking here.
"That was a big decision. 'Do I stay in my car in my car and maybe burn to death and choke from smoking elation? Or do I run?' recalled Lowell Coalfield.
"I was able to do a U-turn and I went back to my building. I said, 'You know what? I'd rather die in my building than in a car.' We had a pool there too and I figured I can get into."
Grocery stores, churches, and community centers were also destroyed by the blaze.
Locals watched as Palisades High School, which was featured in several Hollywood films, was engulfed in flames on live television.
"I'm so worried. I didn't even sleep last night. I hadn't cried the way I did last night in about four or five years. I couldn't believe it." said Elyashar.
"I saw a video of the Palisades Village completely torn apart. This is one of the best communities in Los Angeles. It's the most beautiful, I can tell you that. It just got ripped to shreds. It's wiped off the map."
The latest reports estimate the fire has leveled more than half of Pacific Palisades.
Firefighters are continuing their battle against the flames, but the winds are still a big challenge.
As the fire continues to rage into Wednesday night, people remain uncertain of what is still to come.
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