In pictures: Dramatic scenes as wildfires sweep through west LA

Recently, a significant wildfire broke out in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, causing widespread concern and chaos. The fire began on a Tuesday morning and quickly expanded due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions. Firefighters have been battling the flames throughout the night, as the fire spread rapidly, growing from a size of 10 acres to much larger in just a few hours. This alarming rate of spread forced many residents to evacuate their homes, with evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of people. Dramatic scenes unfolded across the city as firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze. Thick smoke filled the air, making it difficult for residents to see and breathe. Helicopters were seen dropping water over the burning hills, while strong wind gusts of over 80 mph fanned the flames, making the situation even more dangerous. The BBC's Regan Morris reported that many residents were left without power and phone service, which made it hard for them to receive updates about evacuation alerts. Firefighters were no longer focused on saving houses in the Pacific Palisades; instead, they were working to prevent the flames from jumping to other neighborhoods. The windy conditions made it challenging for the firefighters, as debris flew through the air, creating additional hazards. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that more than 1400 firefighters had been deployed to tackle these unprecedented fires. Police officers were also on the scene, helping to escort people to safety and assisting with evacuation efforts. Many residents were seen carrying their pets and important belongings as they fled the area. The fire posed a significant threat to beachfront homes along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, which heightened the urgency of the situation. Firefighters had to navigate through the chaos of residents evacuating while also trying to extinguish the flames. They used water cannons to combat the fire in affected areas, and the sight of firefighters silhouetted against the yellow sky was a stark reminder of the danger they faced. The usually iconic palm trees of Los Angeles were bent and burned in the wake of the wildfires, showcasing the destructive power of the flames. Helicopters worked alongside fire officers to try and stop the spread of the fire across the hilly, wooded areas of west LA. As the firefighters continued their efforts, they remained weary but determined to protect the community from the wildfires that had taken hold of the region.