Tens of thousands have been evacuated in Los Angeles County, a popular destination for tourists visiting Disneyand or Hollywood.
Three wildfires are spreading fast in Los Angeles, fuelled by a powerful wind storm and prompting an evacuation order for tens of thousands of people.
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The hardest hit is the one in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, where more than 12 square kilometres of land has been scorched. Officials say least two people have died in one of the fires and more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed.
L.A. is a popular winter destination for many B.C. tourists escaping the cold weather to visit attractions such as Disneyland, Hollywood or Venice Beach.
As of Wednesday morning, The Associated Press reports that zero per cent of the Palisades Fire has been contained.
Flames were being pushed by Santa Ana winds topping 97 km/h in some places Tuesday, increasing to 129 km/h by early Wednesday, according to reports received by the National Weather Service.
So, is it safe for travellers to still visit other parts of L.A.? Here are a few questions and answers.
Check back for regular updates throughout the day as the travel situation could change.
Are flights being cancelled to L.A. from Vancouver International Airport?
As of 7 a.m., all flights out of YVR to LAX Wednesday were scheduled to leave on time.
Paul Michna, a spokesperson for YVR, said while there is no impact to flights scheduled from YVR to the L.A. area, that could change and passengers are reminded to check with their airline to confirm their flight status and schedules.
Is the Los Angeles International Airport open?
Most international flights are landing at LAX on time. No changes were expected Wednesday to operations at LAX, which is located about 32 kilometres southeast of Pacific Palisades where the wildfires are spreading. However, travellers are advised to check with their airlines to confirm their flight details.
There are reports the fires can be seen from the airport. The strong Santa Ana winds could affect air turbulence arriving at the airport.
Is it safe to travel to L.A. because of the wildfires?
At this time, there are no non-essential travel alerts from Canada.
The alert says there are several areas of concern in L.A., including Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It urges people to stay indoors and to stay away from windows.
How serious are these wildfires?
The blaze has burned through more than 12 square kilometres (3,000 acres) in Pacific Palisades, and tens of thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate as the fires marched toward highly populated and affluent neighbourhoods home to California’s rich and famous. Hollywood stars, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods, were among those forced to flee.
Officials have said more than 13,000 structures are under threat, with at least 1,000 already lost. At least two people have died.
The flames from a fire that broke out Tuesday evening near a nature preserve in the inland foothills northeast of L.A. spread so rapidly that staff at a senior living centre had to push dozens of residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds down the street to a parking lot.
There are reports of traffic jams preventing emergency vehicles from getting through and heavy smoke.
What should B.C. residents do if they are already in L.A.?
Are popular theme parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland open?
Universal Studios announced Wednesday it would be closed because of the intense wildfires.
So far Disneyland still appears to be open but that could change. Disneyland is about 80 kilometres south of Pacific Palisades.
The thrill ride park Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita was closed Wednesday “due to inclement weather” while Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park appeared to be open.
More to come …
With files from The Associated Press