A Presbyterian church in Los Angeles is leaning on faith as fast-moving wildfires engulfed part of its building.

The Pacific Palisades wildfire tore through southern California on Tuesday, sweeping into the affluent neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, home to Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church.

The church, known for its active social outreach and community ministries, became one of the casualties of the devastating blaze.

Footage from KCAL journalist Jasmine Viel showed fire consuming part of the church’s office building, describing it as “in flames.” The full extent of the damage is not yet known, but the church is already turning to scripture for solace.

In a message on social media, Rev. Dr. Grace Park of Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church reassured the community, quoting Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

She added, “God will see us through this.”

The fire, fuelled by 100mph winds, has forced over 30,000 residents in the Los Angeles area to evacuate. Traffic jams stretched for miles on Palisades Drive as residents fled the rapidly spreading flames.

In some areas, abandoned vehicles blocked the roads, prompting authorities to use bulldozers to clear paths for emergency services.