Everything is burning in the flames of fire. Sirens are heard all around. Fire service helicopters are circling the smoke-darkened sky. People are running. There is an unknown fear on everyone's face. Many do not know where to go. This is the image of the city of Los Angeles in the state of California, USA. The city is burning in the most terrible fire in history.
The wildfires began in Los Angeles, known as the center of the entertainment world, on Tuesday. As of Thursday, six separate fires have broken out there. The fast-moving storm has become a 'stolen mountain'. The fire is spreading rapidly in the strong winds. Five people have died in the fire so far. In an instant, expensive houses and cars standing on the side of the road are being burned to the ground in the fire. In the meantime, $50 billion in property has been damaged.
Three of the six separate fires are completely out of control, the fire service said. More than 179,000 residents of Los Angeles have been told to evacuate to save their lives. Shelters have been set up in various areas. Educational institutions have been closed until Thursday. The time may be extended if necessary.
The most devastating fire in the area has been in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The fire has spread over 15,832 acres. A house in this area, where Hollywood star Billy Crystal has lived since 1979, has also been destroyed in the fire. The fire has also spread to the Hollywood Hills.
Along with ordinary people, many others from the entertainment industry have also been affected by the fire. Many have left their homes. For example, actress Paris Hilton, who saw her house on fire on television, said, "My heart is broken." And Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram, "There is a fire in my area, probably my house too. Pray for us."
Shadow of destruction and death
The horror of the Los Angeles wildfires has also been made clear in satellite images. Video broadcast by local KTLA television showed area after area covered in smoke. Suddenly, flames burst through the smoke. This means that a new house has caught fire.
The fire has destroyed nearly 2,000 structures in Los Angeles so far, including homes worth billions of dollars. At least 311,000 homes and businesses have lost power. The fire has caused $50 billion in damage, according to the weather information website AccuWeather.
"More infrastructure could be destroyed in the coming days," said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather. If that happens, the fire will become the deadliest in California history in terms of infrastructure and economic damage. The fire will cause many businesses to close, people to lose their jobs, and medical costs will increase due to the effects of smoke.
One of the people who died in the fire was Victor Shaw, 66, of Altidina. His sister, Shari Shaw, told the media that Victor did not heed instructions to evacuate to a safe place. His body was later recovered from inside the house. Another resident of the same area, William Gonzales, survived. However, his house was burned. He said, "All my dreams have been burned."
Meanwhile, reports of looting are also being received in Los Angeles, which is devastated by the fires. Catherine Berger, head of the local Board of Supervisors, said, "Many people have left their homes during the fire. Criminals are looting those abandoned houses. This is unacceptable. Those involved in the looting will be held accountable. So far, 20 people have been arrested in this incident."
Fire service in water crisis
Firefighters are struggling to put out the fire. Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Maron said at a press conference on Thursday that firefighters from six other states have been brought to California to help fight the fire. In addition, 250 fire engines and 1,000 members from Northern California have gone to Southern California.
Fire trucks and helicopters are also on the scene to help put out the fire. Anthony Maron said, "We're doing our best. But even with all the departments of the Los Angeles Fire Department combined, there just aren't enough people to put out this fire."
 |
Water has emerged as a new problem in the firefighting effort. California has not seen significant rainfall in months, causing some hydrants in the Pacific Palisades area to dry up. Firefighter Janice Quinones said they are having trouble fighting the blaze with the city's water supply.
US President-elect Donald Trump has lashed out at California's water crisis. He said on his social media account Truth Social that the California government is incompetent. The water crisis is hindering firefighting efforts. However, US President Joe Biden has said that the government will do whatever is necessary to put out the fire.
Post a Comment