Multiple large fires are currently raging in the Los Angeles area of Southern California. On Wednesday, authorities stated that the wildfires are threatening at least 28,000 structures, prompting evacuation orders for 70,000 people in the Los Angeles area. The Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department described it as a tragic moment in the city’s history, while a state fire captain depicted a “doomsday” scene in the communities amidst the wildfires.
As of now, the fires have already destroyed thousands of homes, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
Local authorities held a press conference on Wednesday morning to update the public on the fire situation. The President of the Los Angeles City Council said that the wildfires that erupted overnight in the vicinity of Los Angeles have caused many to be awakened by evacuation orders, marking a historically frightening moment.
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson stated on Wednesday morning, “Last night was one of the most destructive and terrifying nights we have ever seen in our city’s history. The fires crossed roads, destroying buildings.”
Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Jim McDonnell, mentioned that emergency rescue teams are facing “unprecedented circumstances,” as they work to control four life-threatening fires in Los Angeles County. He urged the people of Los Angeles to remain patient and united.
“This is a tragic moment in our Los Angeles history, but it is also a moment for us to truly be tested and see who we really are,” McDonnell stated at the press conference. “During this time, we must remain patient, come together, focus on saving lives, and do our best. So when we look back on all of this, we know that we did what we could for others.”
Brent Pascua, a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), told CNN that wildfires are ravaging Pacific Palisades, presenting a “doomsday” scenario in the community.
“When speaking with the firefighters here, they are exhausted. You can see it in their eyes, but they will not leave until they get relief, so if there is no relief, they will continue to fight. They know they are in for a long fight,” Pascua expressed on Wednesday.
Pascua had to inform some evacuees that their neighborhood had been completely wiped out. “The sky is black, so I can’t exactly say how many houses (have been destroyed), but there will be many,” he said.
“Even if something is still standing now, it’s not guaranteed to survive under winds of 70 to 80 miles per hour. So we are making every effort to save everything,” he stated.
CNN reported that storm chaser Tanner Schaaf captured the moment he and his friends fled a friend’s home, as they attempted to save the house from the massive fire in the northern part of Rustic Canyon community in Los Angeles.
The video showed Schaaf’s friends trying to put out the fire with a garden hose as flames surrounded the house and smoke alarms blared.
“Let’s get out of here. We’ve tried. We’ve tried, buddy. We’ve done our best,” Schaaf said to his friend as they ran towards the door.
“Let it burn. God bless this house. There’s nothing we can do now,” Schaaf said.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated that law enforcement officers of the county prioritize the residents affected by the wildfires and ensuring the safety of emergency responders tackling the fires. He added that many sheriff’s department personnel “have been engaged in life-saving measures.”
“We have been in close communication with firefighting and law enforcement partners in Los Angeles County and other areas to ensure that all available resources are strategically and effectively deployed, but we put life first,” Luna said.
He mentioned that hundreds of officers were assisting in evacuations and road closures.
Los Angeles Police Chief McDonnell commended those bravely facing the “unprecedented circumstances” and the emergency responders working under unprecedented strong winds.
He urged people to heed evacuation orders to prevent putting emergency responders in danger.
“If we have to send people in to attempt a rescue, then those people are directly putting their lives at risk, which could have been avoided,” he said.
“We woke up this morning with renewed spirits, believing that we can overcome this wildfire and welcome a brighter day,” stated Los Angeles City Council President Harris-Dawson.