The California wildfires have been an awful start to the new year. The Greater Los Angeles wildfires started just one week after the new year on January 7th. During its first days the fire has already claimed more than 200 houses and had people wanting to get out of the area within the first couple of hours. An expert told NBC News that he believes that the fire started due to natural causes and is not arson, and the heavy wind conditions are the reason the flames are moving so fast. The flames have almost consumed 9,400 acres of land which is equivalent to about 5,327 football pitches, and the LAFD and other helpers only have 5 percent of it contained.
The LAFD has been trying its best since day one to contain and put out the wildfires that have been rampaging in the Greater Los Angeles area. Even though they only have 5 percent under control, they have many people behind them trying to help victims, other firefighters, and animals. On January 13, the province of Alberta, Canada, sent a trained and experienced crew of 40 Type 1 wildland firefighters and two support staff, according to Canada.ca. The LA crew has everyone behind them as these fires continue to take animals, people, and plants’ lives, and we all hope that they can contain everything soon.
The wildfires have already claimed more than 27 lives and will continue to increase. People may not have had enough time to evacuate or just did not want to leave their houses, pets, or other belongings behind to turn into ashes. Along with the fire ripping apart houses, there are many crimes being committed, and people now referred to as looters have been going into burned-down houses and stealing irreplaceable items such as a celebrity’s Emmy trophy. Looters will normally fill a truck up with goods and other items left behind by the homeowner. They do this so they can make money by selling them. The Los Angeles District Attorney (LADA) has recently stated that “Two men have been charged with felony arson in Los Angeles in unrelated cases.” These people are only making the fire worse, and the arsonists will only continue to add to the destruction. However, the former president and current president have both stepped in to help families who are suffering.
Former President Joe Biden had given some affected families $770 to help with groceries, gas and shelter. Many people are claiming that he could have given more to Americans, as he gave $500 million to Ukraine just the week before. Current President Trump plans to visit LA to talk with the LA Mayor, Karen Boss, and the LAFD Fire Chief, Kristin M. Crowley. They are going to speak on how they can prevent these in the future and what affected people might get or want to do. Some U.S. Senate and Congressmen/women are trying to pass a bill putting more restrictions on the burn law in California. We all hope these fires get put out soon, and we hope everyone is safe along with their families.
