A devastating fire has burned thousands of acres in California, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Intervene, God!

From CBS News. Tens of thousands have fled their homes as a brush fire in the Pacific Palisades has burned nearly 3,000 acres. Authorities have said the blaze could grow further as strong winds are expected to continue in the region.

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The Los Angeles Fire Department said the Palisades Fire started at 10:30 a.m. near 1190 North Piedra Morada Dr. With winds reaching at least 40 mph, the flames quickly spread to about 200 acres and grew exponentially.

It continued to spread rapidly through the hillsides. As of Wednesday morning, the fire has burned 2,921 acres with zero containment. Authorities evacuated about 30,000 people as flames threatened more than 10,000 homes. …

Early Wednesday morning, evacuation orders expanded well into Malibu, creeping into the same area that was just devastated by the Franklin Fire in December. …

LAFD said they received reports of multiple burn victims. One firefighter sustained a serious head injury while trying to douse the flames. She received treatment at the scene and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, according to LAFD.

Forecasters say gusts could reach up to 100 miles per hour in some parts of the region — likely the worst conditions seen since a windstorm in 2011 left behind $40 million in damage in Los Angeles County. …

Emergency shelters and evacuation map

With the flames moving quickly, some drivers abandoned their cars on Sunset near where the main LA roadway meets the PCH. Some said firefighters told them to get out and flee on foot. About 30 vehicles were left abandoned, according to the LA Fire Department.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents escaped their homes as firefighters continued battling the Pacific Palisades blaze. …

The Westwood Recreation Center has opened as an evacuation center and overnight shelter for evacuees and small animals, according to fire authorities. The El Camino Real Charter High School has also opened an evacuation shelter for residents, according to Cal Fire.

Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for the neighborhoods near the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park and as far south as Santa Monica.

The latest information from Cal Fire on evacuations and resources for those affected can be found here. …

“Life-threatening” windstorm and a major red flag warning

Many parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including the area where the wildfire started, are facing a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning this week. It’s a relatively rare advisory the National Weather Service issues in more extreme cases, and it’s the same warning that was issued just before the Mountain Fire tore through nearly 20,000 acres in neighboring Ventura County last year.

Forecasters have warned of a “life-threatening” windstorm that is likely the most powerful one to hit the region since 2011, which left behind millions of dollars in damage and led to 400,000 people losing power. …

Gusts could up to around 60 to 70 mph in many areas and up to 100 mph in a few parts of Southern California, according to forecasters. …

Resources stretched thin

Firefighting resources were already being stretched thin with the massive response to the Palisades Fire, which prompted Los Angeles Fire Department to request all of their off-duty firefighters contact them and report if they’re available to assist with the firefight.

LAFD Public Information Officer Margaret Stewart says this is the first time the department has had to make such a request in the last 19 years. …

Government officials react

In response to the blaze, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in regards to the response from local emergency departments. …

President Joe Biden, who was also briefed on the incident, shared a statement as well, noting that FEMA had already approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant.

“My team and I are in touch with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance that is needed to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire,” said the president’s statement, in part. …

More fires burning in LA County

At the same time, about 40 miles inland, a second large brush fire erupted in the Eaton Canyon area above Altadena. …

At around 10 p.m., another blaze dubbed the Hurst Fire was reported in the San Fernando Valley. …

Share your prayers for those affected by this fire below. If you would like more information on how to pray, make sure you join our IFA California State Prayer Group.

(Excerpt from CBS News. Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)