Six simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County neighborhoods since January 7, killing at least 10 people and destroying nearly 10,000 structures. These numbers are expected to increase, according to Reuters.
Structures damaged by the Eaton fire in Altadena area, California (USA) on January 10
Declaring a public health emergency gives health care providers from the US government’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) more flexibility to respond to demand. emergency health care for people enrolled in the Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
HHS added that the department’s Agency for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is ready to deploy response forces, along with medical equipment and supplies, if requested by California.
On January 8, US President Joe Biden declared the above forest fire a major disaster and the government will reimburse 100% of recovery costs in the next 6 months. On January 10, Mr. Biden reiterated his commitment to providing California with the necessary resources to fight the fires and rebuild.
A terrible forest fire burned down the million-dollar homes of many Hollywood stars
A night curfew is imposed
In addition, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced on January 10 that a night curfew had been imposed in disaster areas due to devastating fires. “People are not allowed to be in these affected areas. If you are there, you will be arrested. We are making this order to protect the structures, the houses that people have left because of them.” I ordered them to leave,” Mr. Luna said at a press conference.
The curfew, which will be in effect from 6pm to 6am in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton wildfire areas, comes as fears of looting grow, with some residents organizing patrols streets and armed guards at their own homes.
“This curfew will be strictly enforced and is done to promote public safety, protect property and prevent any theft or looting in areas where residents have evacuated,” Mr. Luna emphasized and warned that anyone who violates the curfew could be imprisoned.
“No words”
Many Pacific Palisades residents who ventured back to their devastated neighborhoods were shocked to find their homes reduced to charred rubble, twisted car bodies and acrid smoke thick in the air, according to Reuters today. 10.1.
“I can’t describe it. I have no words to describe it,” said Dr. Kelly Foster (44 years old) as she rummaged through the rubble where her house once stood.
In addition, Ms. Denise Doss (63 years old) said that authorities previously prevented her from inspecting the house in the Altadena area that she shares with her 86-year-old father, citing the risk of fire and possible gas pipes. broken.
Another Altadena resident who was getting supplies, 78-year-old Everett Wilson, said his house escaped the fire but he was worried about looters: “I just don’t want someone to take my stuff.” I”.
Meanwhile, false evacuation messages sent by automated warning systems have added to the anxiety of Los Angeles residents. Officials have vowed to fix the problem.
Tens of thousands of homes in the area are also without electricity and air quality is a major concern, according to Reuters.
Began to control two large fires
Firefighters on January 10 began to control two large wildfires east and west of Los Angeles as fierce winds that fueled the blazes for days finally subsided, according to Reuters.
Firefighters reported progress in containing the Palisades fire on the western edge of Los Angeles and the Eaton fire in the eastern foothills of the sprawling metropolitan area.
Firefighters extinguish burning embers on structures damaged by the Eaton fire in Altadena area, California (USA) on January 10
After days of burning out of control, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of firefighters to extinguish the fire from the air and on the ground, the Palisades and Eaton fires are now gradually being contained. However, the fires have burned a total of more than 13,700 hectares, 2.5 times the land area of Manhattan district in New York City (USA).
“We are doing everything we can to control the situation and have reported success. We know that we will likely experience increased winds early next week so Los Angeles is prepared for it.” And doing everything we can to save lives, that’s our No. 1 mission,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said at a press conference.
According to the US National Weather Service (NWS), the situation in the Los Angeles area will improve throughout the weekend, with sustained winds slowing to about 32 km/h, with gusts from 56-80 km/h, following recent gusts of up to 128.7 km/h.
“There are no wind gusts, which will help firefighters,” NWS meteorologist Allison Santorelli said. However, Ms. Santorelli noted that conditions remained critical with low humidity and dry vegetation. She said further south in San Diego, winds will increase, with sustained winds of 64.3 km/h and gusts of up to 112.6 km/h, creating dangerous fire conditions in there on the weekend.
