Photo credit: David Swanson via Getty Images
After almost two weeks of nonstop wildfires in California, officials in Los Angeles have recently reported that there is finally a sign of progress with the Palisades fire now at 52% percent containment, and the Eaton fire at 82% percent containment. After two weeks of devastation, this news brings subtle relief to the surrounding communities.
The initial flames were reported by the residents of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, near the Skull Rock Trailhead in Topanga State Park, located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains early on January 7th.
According to officials with California State Parks, the fires in the Santa Monica Mountains had a high chance of spreading through steep mountain canyons due to the Santa Ana winds. These hot and dry winds move through the region every fall and winter and are caused by high pressure that grows warmer, dryer, and stronger. When Santa Ana winds occur, fires can spread rapidly and widely across the Santa Monica Mountains, reaching nearby neighborhoods and destroying homes.
According to the New York Times, “There had been no serious precipitation in months, and forecasters cautioned [beforehand] that the Santa Ana winds coming in off the desert could reach an astonishing 100 miles per hour as they blew through the dry, brushy hills.”
Both fires occurred due to these winds within hours apart on the same day.
Max Belin, a nearby resident, claimed to have noticed an “explosion of bright light” at the base of an electrical tower up in the dry slopes of Eaton Canyon.
Several other people within the neighborhood had also claimed to see a fire near the power structures, stirring the question of whether or not the electrical base had any direct role in sparking the fire.
However, wildfire and arson experts reported to CNN this past Thursday, that it could take several months to determine the origin of precisely where and how both fires started.
Although the exact cause of the fires remains unclear, the traumatic impact on California residents is not short of a secret. During the fight, firefighters ran into issues with their water supply. Authorities noticed that the water pressure was faltering due to the massive amount of water being pulled out of the systems leaving hydrants running dry. This left residents who did not evacuate hopeless against the flames.
Camille Bragg, a California resident who lost her home in the fires, stated in a FOX interview, “The moment we realized that everything was potentially on fire was that morning around 6:30 a.m., and everything was on fire. My neighbors’ homes were on fire.”
At least 27 people have been reported dead. Those deceased consist of residents who fought desperately to protect their homes and residents who were not able to evacuate in time. However, since the fires continue to destroy neighborhoods, the death toll is steadily rising as first responders and authorities continue to search and rescue.
Approximately 200,000 California residents have been forced to evacuate their homes while evacuation mandates are still in effect as firefighters continue to contain the deadly wildfires. NBC reports that an estimated 13,600 structures, including homes, businesses, and personal properties, have been destroyed over this period.
As the winds have settled down in California, firefighters will continue to progress towards containment. It is predicted that Los Angeles residents will have to remain out of the affected areas for another week for authorities to declare that it is safe for damage inspections.
Officials are staying aware as more heavy Santa Ana winds come in within the next week.
Spartan Echo 