CNN reporter Nick Watt was nearly hit by debris while reporting from the Pacific Palisades, where thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate due to a rapidly spreading wildfire.
Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for CNN for comment on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
The Palisades fire has exploded in size, scorching over 2,900 acres with no containment as of Wednesday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. This fast-moving wildfire has forced approximately 30,000 residents in Pacific Palisades to evacuate under urgent orders.
Southern California is battling multiple wildfires fueled by some of the strongest Santa Ana winds in recent memory. The Palisades Fire, started on Tuesday, the same day the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the Hurst Fire in Sylma also broke out.
What We Know
Watt was too close for comfort while reporting on the damage of the Palisades Fire, and he was almost injured while on the scene. A clip of this moment was posted to X by user @Acyn, the senior digital editor for MeidasTouch.com.
"That was an apartment building that we have watched—Jesus! Woah! Sorry I nearly got hit by something there, yeah, woah," Watt said during the report.
"We're going to have to get back. We just watched this building just disintegrate, a little part of that building nearly hit me there."
What People Are Saying
People took to the comment section to share their concern for Watt.
"Wind driven embers can travel, in the air, 1 1/2 miles where they start another fire front. In fact, I found charcoal pieces in my attic during the 2003 Paradise/Cedar fire. The fire was 2 miles away at that point. Be careful," one person wrote.
"These people need to stop f****** around. This isn't like a hurricane. Fire is far more destructive," said another.
"Omg! Get out of there!" someone else commented, while another added: "Stay safe buddy!"
They are not the only people concerned about Watt's wellbeing, as a different X user posted to their account: "they need to get that guy on CNN outta there man."
Someone else added: "need a lot of these reporters to value their lives and leave, like yes i see the fire behind you, i believe you, LEAVE."
California Governor Gavin Newsom, in a statement after declaring a state of emergency due to the Palisades fire: "This is a highly dangerous windstorm that's creating extreme fire risk – and we're not out of the woods. We're already seeing the destructive impacts with this fire in Pacific Palisades that grew rapidly in a matter of minutes.
"Our deepest thanks go to our expert firefighters and first responders who jumped quickly into fighting this dangerous fire. If you're in Southern California, please pay attention to weather reports and follow any guidance from emergency officials."
What Happens Next
The Palisades Fire is expected to last until at least Thursday, LA County Fire Department said early today.
The Eaton fire has also spread rapidly, consuming an estimated 1,000 acres in the hills above Altadena. Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of both Altadena and Pasadena as firefighters struggle to control the blaze.
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