A devastating fire near Los Angeles has destroyed more than 100 homes and forced thousands of evacuations. Despite the damage, firefighters are making progress thanks to the drop in wind. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage as evacuees cope with the loss of…
An exceptionally violent fire ravaged the region northwest of Los Angeles this week, destroying more than a hundred homes and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. However, according to the latest information from local authorities, the courageous firefighters mobilized are beginning to regain control of the situation, helped by the weather which has become milder.
The “Mountain Fire” wreaks havoc
Since Wednesday, more than 2,500 firefighters have been fighting tirelessly against the flames of the “Mountain Fire” which broke out near the small town of Camarillo, a hilly rural area of around 30,000 inhabitants. The initial speed of spread of the blaze, fanned by gusts of up to 130 km/h, surprised everyone, including Linda Fefferman and her husband who had to flee in a hurry.
The car had barely been loaded when we learned that a tree had fallen on the road and was blocking our exit. It was scary, because we felt like we were trapped.
Linda Fefferman, evacuated resident
Thanks to the intervention of a neighbor with a chainsaw, the couple was finally able to escape, but their house did not survive. “It’s a total loss,” Ms. Fefferman sighed, still in shock. According to an initial assessment, at least 132 homes were completely destroyed and 88 others seriously damaged.
State of emergency declared, thousands evacuated
Faced with the scale of the disaster, California Governor Gavin Newsom was quick to declare a state of emergency to facilitate the fight against the flames. During this time, several thousand people had to leave their homes urgently. For Robin Wallace, who saw his childhood home go up in smoke, the shock is immense:
We thought we could go back and grab a few things. But of course it didn't work. Everything disappeared in the afternoon. It happened very quickly.
Robin Wallace, victim
Firefighters make progress thanks to the weather
Since Friday, however, the situation seems to be evolving more favorably. According to firefighters, the intensity of the fire decreased thanks to the weakening of the winds, allowing ground to be regained. However, the “Mountain Fire”, which has already consumed more than 8,300 hectares, is not yet under control and still threatens critical infrastructure in this steep and difficult to access area.
For California, it is yet another episode in a particularly trying fire season this year, after two wetter winters. Global warming, by drying out vegetation, creates formidable fuel for ever more intense and devastating fires. In July-August, the state already suffered the fourth largest fire in its history.
The toll promises to be heavy for the victims
If the firefighters therefore seem to be making progress in the face of the “Mountain Fire”, the time has already come for the first assessment for the affected residents. Between the houses reduced to ashes, the damage to infrastructure and the trauma of emergency evacuations, the consequences promise to be serious for this rural region and its approximately 30,000 souls.
The Californian authorities have promised aid to support disaster victims who have lost everything and help them get back on their feet. A process that promises to be long and difficult, like Linda Fefferman, who for the moment refuses to leave the accommodation center where she found refuge with her husband. “Emotionally, I'm not ready. I take things day by day,” she confides, her voice breaking with emotion.
In the coming days, firefighters will continue the fight to completely contain the fire and prevent further spread if the winds strengthen. At the same time, the damage assessment will continue to measure the exact extent of the disaster and organize support for those affected. A new test for the resilience of Californians, regularly confronted with the whims of a nature that no longer gives gifts.
