This Tuesday, January 7, devastating fires charred the hills of Los Angeles, pushing thousands of residents to urgently leave their homes. Fueled by strong winds, the fires have already destroyed several structures in popular areas of the city, while authorities warn of an increased risk of spread.
The fire broke out in the morning in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for its villas nestled in the heart of the rugged mountains northwest of Los Angeles. In a few hours, the flames devoured more than 1,200 hectares, destroying several houses and causing a thick cloud of smoke visible throughout the megalopolis..
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the situation as “critical” during a press briefing: “ Many structures are already destroyed, and approximately 30,000 people are under evacuation orders. » Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this stage.
Testimonies from trapped residents
The scenes of chaos left their mark. Gary, a resident of Pacific Palisades, told a local station: “ I never thought that wind could have such an effect on fire. I saw embers flying hundreds of meters. » Residents, evacuated in a hurry, reported huge traffic jams. “ Everyone was honking their horns, there were flames everywhere. It was terrifying “, says Kelsey Trainor, stuck on the road with her belongings and her dog. Andrew Hires, another resident, described chaotic evacuation scenes, with children being removed from schools in an emergency.
Santa Ana winds, blowing up to 160 km/h, exacerbated the spread of the flames. “ These are the most powerful gusts since 2011, but with a much higher fire risk “, explained Daniel Swain, climate expert at UCLA. The firefighters, numbering 250 on the ground, are struggling to contain the flames in steep terrain, making access difficult. Nighttime further complicates the use of aerial means. A second fire, the Eaton Fire, broke out in the evening in Pasadena and Santa Monica, leading to new evacuations.
Climate change in question
« There is no longer a fire season, it lasts all year round said Governor Newsom. After two years of heavy rains,Reinvigorated vegetation has turned into fuel due to an abnormally dry winter, the driest on record in Southern California.
Scientists point out that global warming intensifies the frequency and severity of fires, making these weather phenomena increasingly unpredictable and dangerous. Present in California on Tuesday, President Joe Biden immediately approved federal aid to support the second city in the United States in the face of this crisis. “ We need to take this very seriously at this time in American history “, insisted Gavin Newsom.
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