A wildfire in Southern California has claimed the lives of at least two individuals and left several others injured amidst dry conditions. Windy conditions, authorities said. Thousands of people were evacuated due to the fire in more than 5,000 acres of forest. Meanwhile, an estimated 1,000 structures were destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
Insufficient Firefighters to Extinguish Blaze
LAPD Chief James McDonnell said Los Angeles County and all 29 fire departments were unprepared for such a massive disaster. There are not enough firefighters to handle the fire at four different places. The LAPD chief said the LA County Fire Department was prepared for one or two large wildfires, but not four. It is difficult to control the fire due to the continuous winds and low humidity in the forests.
California Governor Declares State of Emergency
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to assist the communities affected by the fires. He visited Pacific Palisades and met with local and state fire officials to support their response to the Palisades fire. "This is a highly dangerous storm that poses an extreme fire risk and we are not out of danger," Governor Newsom said. We are already seeing the devastating effects of this fire in the Pacific Palisades which is growing exponentially in a matter of minutes.
The U.S. federal government has taken action to support local firefighting efforts through four U.S. Forest Service large air tankers operating in Southern California. In support of state and local firefighters, 10 federal firefighting helicopters are conducting firefighting operations in the area. The U.S. Forest Service has already deployed dozens of fire engines. FEMA has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to reimburse the state for firefighting costs. Biden reiterated his call on residents to remain vigilant and listen to warnings issued by local officials.