A fast-moving wildfire swept through the Pacific Palisades area on Tuesday, forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate as roaring flames closed in on the celebrity enclave. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scenes as reminiscent of a Hollywood disaster movie, with gridlocked streets, abandoned cars, and people fleeing on foot.

Fueled by winds reaching speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h), the blaze exploded from a mere 10 acres to thousands within hours. Residents scrambled to escape as the Pacific Coast Highway, the main evacuation route, became choked with traffic. The fire’s rapid spread sent people running for safety, leaving their vehicles behind near Sunset Boulevard.

Marsha Horowitz, a local resident, recounted the chaos: “The fire was right up against the cars. Firefighters were shouting for everyone to get out and run.” Another resident, who returned home to rescue her cat, described flaming palm leaves falling around her as she fled. “It’s terrifying. It’s like a horror movie,” she said.

Others faced similar peril. Melanie, a resident trying to escape via Palisades Drive, was forced to turn back when flames engulfed the road. “I would have been driving right into the fire,” she said. “We’re stuck up here.”

The Pacific Palisades area, home to many Hollywood stars, saw celebrities like James Woods and Steve Guttenberg fleeing their properties. Guttenberg urged those abandoning their cars to leave their keys inside to allow fire crews to clear the roads. Bulldozers were later deployed to remove vehicles and create access for emergency responders.

Actors Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, and Michael Keaton also own homes in the affected area, according to reports.

Residents in neighboring areas like Topanga Canyon and Venice Beach also felt the fire’s impact. Kelsey Trainor described ash raining down and flames leaping across roads as terrified families tried to escape. “People were crying and screaming, carrying their dogs and babies,” she said.

Ellen Delosh-Bacher, who was caught in gridlock near a Starbucks, said police ran through the chaos shouting, “Run for your lives!” She abandoned her car and sprinted half a mile to the beach with her mother and dogs. “This is like an apocalypse,” she said.

Firefighters, aided by bulldozers and aerial support, continue battling the inferno as it threatens more homes. Officials urge residents to heed evacuation orders and prioritize safety.

The wildfire underscores the growing threat of extreme weather events in Southern California, with the region bracing for potential further devastation as dry, windy conditions persist.