Fires torch 300,000 homes in LA, residents urged to flee
Three areas of Los Angeles resemble hell. The region is struggling with massive wildfires that are "spreading quickly," as a California firefighter told NBC. Almost 100,000 people are under evacuation orders.
Since Tuesday, three wildfires have been raging in the Los Angeles area, spreading at an alarming rate. A California firefighter emphasised in a conversation with NBC that the situation is extremely serious.
"Get in your vehicle and leave the area as soon as possible," advised firefighter Robert Foxworthy to residents. "Speaking to NBC's TODAY show this morning, Foxworthy said the 'incredibly' fast-moving fire was unpredictable," reported NBC.
The fires have affected, among other places, the celebrity neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades and the areas around Sylmar and Altadena. Sheriece Wallace, a resident of Los Angeles, recounted how she unexpectedly learned about the danger when a helicopter dropped water over her home. "I was like, 'it’s raining,'" Wallace said. "No, it’s not raining. Your neighborhood is on fire. You need to get out," her sister instructed.
Fires in California
The fires are fuelled by strong winds, which further complicates the efforts of the firefighters. Mayor Karen Bass warned through social media about the worsening weather conditions. The wind is picking up, she stated. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, described the situation as one of the worst ever seen in this region.
At least 1,400 firefighters are taking part in the firefighting operation. California Governor Gavin Newsom reported on the scale of service involvement. The California Firefighters Association urged people not to approach areas engulfed by fire, emphasising the danger associated with inhaling toxic smoke.
The fires caused power outages for nearly 300,000 customers in Southern California. Classes at 19 schools were cancelled. The state attorney's office reminded that price gouging during a state of emergency is a crime, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 (£8,100) or a year in jail.
Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on the issue of the fires. He emphasised that the services are doing everything in their power to deal with the threat. "I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials," he announced.
