Massive firefighting operation continued through the night, with the help of helicopters that were able to take off thanks to a temporary break in the strong winds.
The two ravages, considered by the US government as “the most devastating” in the history of , have already caused ten and remained out of control on Thursday night, when weather conditions threatened to worsen. “The flames consumed all our dreams. We lost practically everything,” William Gonzales told AFP, in front of his house reduced to ashes in Altadena, north of the city.
On Thursday night, Los Angeles County coroners raised the death toll from five to 10 people, all of whom have not yet been identified. The massive firefighting operation continued through the night, with the help of helicopters that were able to take off thanks to a temporary break in strong winds in the second largest city in the United States.
At the same time, authorities were also preparing a major security operation, deploying National Guard soldiers and expecting to impose a midnight curfew in response to reports of looting.
Neither the Altadena fire nor that of the luxurious Pacific Palisades neighborhood, full of billionaire and celebrity mansions between Malibu and Santa Monica, have been contained so far. “These are the largest and most devastating fires in California history,” President Joe Biden warned during a White House meeting on Thursday with senior officials involved in managing the emergency.
President-elect Donald Trump blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the situation and, without providing evidence, accused him of “incompetence” in managing the fires and wasting water amid the drought affecting that area of the west coast of California. country.
“Death and destruction”
Kalen Astoor, a 36-year-old Altadena resident, had trouble understanding the damage done to her 76-year-old mother’s neighborhood. Although his house was still standing, Astoor could not overcome his shock at the devastating scene. “It’s a vision of death and destruction,” the woman said. About 180,000 people in the area are still affected by evacuation orders and weather conditions of extreme drought and winds remain “critical,” although less severe, meteorologists and local officials insist.
“The winds are still at historic proportions. This is absolutely unprecedented,” warned Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Significant fire development” remains likely until Friday, whether from ongoing fires or new outbreaks, meteorological services warned. Another fire broke out Thursday night near Calabasas and the wealthy enclave of Hidden Hills, home to celebrities like Kim Kardashian, fueled by winds even as firefighters used fire retardant and water.
Hollywood, the birthplace of the American film industry and which was threatened by the flames, received relief: the fire affecting its hills was controlled by firefighters and the evacuation order was lifted in the morning.
“Unacceptable”
As residents and authorities begin to deal with the consequences of the tragedy, the names of the fatal victims come to light. Among the dead was Victor Shaw, 66, whose sister reported that he ignored evacuation orders in the Altadena region. “When I came back and yelled his name, he didn’t respond,” Shari Shaw reported. “He didn’t respond, and I had to leave because the flames were very big and were flying like a firestorm”, he narrated.
Al Tanner, a family friend, found Shaw’s body in front of the house, with a hose in his hands. “It looked like he was trying to save the house his parents had for almost 55 years,” he told KTLA. The intensity of the flames was such that local resources were overwhelmed. Some hydrants were dry while fighting the fire, while firefighters received logistical reinforcements from neighboring states.
As the fight against the flames continues, other concerns are beginning to emerge. About 20 people were arrested for looting in the evacuation areas, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said. “It’s unacceptable,” the officer declared. Fires are frequent in the western United States, but the climate effects due to global warming caused by human action have generated extreme conditions, increasing the intensity of these events.
Published by Luisa Cardoso
*With information from AFP
