A fast-moving blaze broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of around 30,000 residents.
The fire, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of up to 60 mph, has consumed more than 2,900 acres and continues to threaten numerous buildings, according to CNN.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has dispatched over 250 firefighters to confront the flames, but the intense gusts have grounded aircraft, making containment efforts more difficult. Heavy traffic due to evacuations has also led some people to flee on foot.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to the situation, and President Joe Biden has extended federal support.
The National Weather Service has cautioned the public about a severe wildfire danger, warning that the hazardous wind event is expected to last through Wednesday.
Among the locations in harm’s way is the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, located at 17315 West Sunset Boulevard.
ABC News in Los Angeles reported that the “Jewish community center burns down in Pacific Palisades fire.”
An update shared on social media by Chabad Lubavitch HQ read: Chabad reps have been helping seniors evacuate as wildfires raced through Pacific Palisades, California.
It remains uncertain what has happened to the Chabad House itself, as live footage showed flames menacing outbuildings on the property.
Linsey Davis of ABC News interviewed Rabbi Zushe Cunin about the damage to the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades. They managed to rescue all sifrei Torah, but had lost Menorahs and other valuables.
“Thankfully, we evacuated our over 100 children at our early childhood center earlier, and we’re in touch with all the families,” Rabbi Cunin said.
“We’re connecting many of the people who still need assistance with the first responders, and they’ve been responding and connecting with them,” he said. “We’re so grateful to the outpouring of love of so many all throughout the community and throughout the world.”

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