Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed that his family members were among those forced to evacuate their homes in Southern California due to a wildfire that raged around Los Angeles. The fire, fueled by strong winds, swept through a Los Angeles hillside where Redick resides alongside other celebrities, resulting in the destruction of homes in Pacific Palisades and the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
Prior to the Lakers' game against the Mavericks in Dallas, Redick expressed concern for his family and neighbors affected by the wildfire. He extended his thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades area, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Redick shared that his family, including his wife's family and her twin sister, had evacuated, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty gripping the community.
Despite the wildfire crisis, the Lakers' return flight to Los Angeles was initially reported to be delayed. However, the team later confirmed that the flight was still scheduled for Tuesday night, albeit with potential diversions due to smoke-filled skies in the LA region.
Authorities did not provide an exact count of the structures damaged or destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfire but disclosed that approximately 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders, with over 13,000 structures at risk. The fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. during a Santa Ana windstorm, described by the National Weather Service as potentially 'life-threatening' and the most powerful in Southern California in over a decade. The cause of the fire remained unknown, and there were no reported injuries.
Forecasters anticipated the winds to intensify overnight and persist for several days, generating isolated gusts exceeding 100 mph in mountains and foothills, including regions experiencing prolonged dry spells. The situation remained critical, with residents urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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