**"Evacuation Chaos in Pacific Palisades as Wildfires Rage On"**

Fear grips those affected by the wildfires as celebrities and locals flee for safety.

Amidst the raging wildfires encircling Los Angeles, residents of the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood have come forward to share their harrowing escape stories. Local resident David Latt revealed that his family was given a mere 10 minutes to vacate their home, allowing just enough time to gather vital documents and cherished mementos before being ensnared in a two-hour traffic jam.

David recounted to the BBC that he was blissfully unaware of the danger until a neighbor alerted him. "I had no idea what was happening until I stepped outside and saw a towering plume of black smoke just four blocks uphill. That's when it hit me; we need to get out!"

The fire's proximity made it imperative for families to prepare 'grab-and-go bags' filled with essential items, such as passports and family photographs. In the chaos, David and his wife quickly retrieved tax receipts and invaluable family heirlooms to cram into their cars. Moments later, he filmed the scene from his roof, noting the strong winds that were propelling the flames.

With only one access road leading out of their area, they soon found themselves trapped in a jam, unable to flee. "The flames were nearing the vehicles," said fellow resident Marsha Horowitz.

The Pacific Palisades, often a refuge for celebrities and the affluent, became a battleground as winds soared, carrying embers that could easily spark new infernos. Celebrities such as Eugene Levy from "Schitt's Creek" were also affected, forced to evacuate his home as ominous clouds of smoke filled the air.

As residents grappled with uncertainty about the status of their homes, power outages impacted over 50,000 households, leaving many without a means to communicate. The uncertainty and fear shared by residents were palpable, with some nervously watching the flames flicker in the distance, unsure of when it would be safe to leave or where they could go.

Meanwhile, journalist Amrita Khalid, based in Santa Monica, described her day as deceptively normal until she encountered the ominous smoke. After confirming the escalating crisis via a photograph of her neighborhood, she opted for safety: "It looked like Mars, bright red," she expressed, reflecting her relief at having left her home when she did.

As chaos unfolds in this affluent LA neighborhood, the fear in the eyes of those who have abandoned their cars and homes is a stark reminder of the fire's unrelenting grip.