Firefighters Use Bulldozers to Remove Abandoned Cars Blocking Roads During Palisades Fire

Dozens of cars jammed the roadway, obstructing access and escape routes

California is currently battling multiple wildfires, leaving devastation on an overwhelming scale. While official numbers are still forthcoming, at least two lives have been lost, and over 1,000 structures have been destroyed.

A video from KTLA 5 provides a glimpse into the aftermath of the Palisades fire, showing an evacuation route littered with abandoned cars, all heading in the same direction.

During the chaotic evacuation, panicked drivers abandoned their vehicles, causing severe roadblocks. Removing such a large number of vehicles during an emergency proved nearly impossible. Consequently, firefighters used bulldozers to push cars out of the way to clear access routes.

Surprisingly, some of the abandoned vehicles were high-end models, including a Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, and a Mercedes EQE or EQS. These were carefully avoided, but other cars, such as a Toyota Camry and Prius, were moved aside. The reported pileup stretched approximately 300 feet (91 meters).

A separate video captured more dramatic scenes of destruction, with an Audi sedan being pushed into a Q7, which in turn collided with a Nissan Rogue. The Rogue was then forced into a BMW 4-Series convertible, which struck a Volvo SUV.

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s latest update indicates the Palisades fire has now grown to 11,082 acres, causing multiple injuries to civilians and firefighters. A mandatory evacuation order remains in effect, with residents urged to turn off power and gas before leaving their homes.

A map of the evacuation area shows that the Pacific Coast Highway is closed from the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to Topanga Canyon. Authorities are advising nearby residents to prepare to evacuate and keep a “go bag” ready, as there is currently no containment reported.

Author:

  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

    View all posts