Fires in Los Angeles, California have devastated thousands in the past week with 24 deaths and over 150,000 people forced to evacuate as of January 13th.
The Palisades Fire is the largest, burning over 23,700 acres of LA. The Eaton fire is next with 14,000 acres, followed by Kenneth with 1,000 and Hurst with 800. The smaller fires are well contained at 100% and 97% contained, however the Eaton fire is 35% contained with the Palisades fire only 17% contained.
One of the most significant threats to LA is the winds which have increased to 70 MPH, carrying the fire. Other conditions like low humidity make it easier for the fire to spread. The humidity in LA is at about 11% when the normal humidity level for LA is around 70%, according to the National Weather Service and Los Angeles Almanac.
The National Weather Service has called the weather “particularly dangerous,” as well as issued a red flag warning.
Electrical infrastructure is also a concern as it could ignite more fires, and it has started fires past years. Officials of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) have already shut off power for roughly 60,000 people, and may have to shut off power for more.
The fires have also caused “contaminated air,” forcing many residents to wear masks to protect their lungs.
Dr. Anish Mahajan, Chief Deputy Director for the LA Public Health Department recommends wearing a N95 or P100 mask.
“These masks are specifically designed to reduce the exposure to harmful fine particles found in the ash and smoke, which can penetrate deep into your lungs and cause serious health problems,” Mahajan said in a press conference.
The LA Fire Department is also drastically understaffed and under-resourced. According to CNN, LA has the most understaffed fire department of major U.S. cities. Even though LA is extremely fire-prone, there’s only 1 firefighter for every 1000 citizens. Meanwhile Chicago has 2 firefighters per every 1000 people in a less fire-prone area.
“If we cut one position, if we close one station … the residents of Los Angeles are going to pay the ultimate sacrifice, and someone will die,” Freddy Escobar, veteran firefighter, said.
Many citizens of LA are not only displaced, but frustrated with the city’s response to the fires. Residents hope that the rest of the fires will be contained, and allow them to start rebuilding.
