Living in LA looks like all fun and games but only those who actually live there know the real downside. Of course, it’s a privilege, but like anything else, everything comes at a price. The recent fires that took place in LA engulfing lives, is a live proof of the statement. Fires due to extreme heat are a common phenomena in LA but this time, the destruction is on another level.
What We Know So Far
Two of all the fires currently in action in LA are the most destructive in nature. One is the Palisades Fire which has spread over 23,700 acres and caused unimaginable damage. It’s so strong that it has reduced about 5000 buildings to debris and forced about 150,000 residents to evacuate.
The other one, the Eaton Fire, has spread over 14,000 acres.
Though firefighters are at it to control the fires, they have still managed to take some lives. About 24 people have lost their lives in this tragic event and the number will only increase. Some of these were those who were trying to protect their homes from these fires. About 92,000 are under evacuation because of the same. The estimated cost spent in controlling these fires is $150 billion, the costliest of all times. It’s a devastating moment for the residents as they have to leave everything behind. There is no surety as to whether anything will remain when they return. People are doing everything they can to protect their most precious belongings from the fires before evacuating. Some covered their houses in the water while a woman put her expensive crockery in the pool, hoping they would find it back upon returning. Words can’t even express how shattering it would be for them to leave everything behind which they built with love. Even Indian cinema’s Preity Zinta also lives in LA with family, including children and elderly. She too shared a heartbreaking post stating she never imagined she would see such a day in LA. She is heartbroken to see the destruction but thankful to God that they are safe “as of now”.
I never thought I would live to see a day where fires would ravage neighbourhoods around us in La, friends & families either evacuated or put on high alert, ash descending from smoggy skies like snow & fear & uncertainty about what will happen if the wind does not calm down with…
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) January 11, 2025
Challenges on the Way
While the respective teams are doing everything they can, it is not as easy as it seems.
Fires can be cut down by water and teams can use the same to control these fires. So what’s the issue? LA hasn’t seen the average rainfall in a while so there is a shortage of water. The hydrants have run dry and there is a lack of resources. So, can’t they use the water from the ocean? Again, it’s not just simply about bringing water from the oceans to the affected area. While the aircrafts are abundant, the majority of them are not designed for the purpose. Most of them are designed to carry fire retardant but not water. The few that can carry water, cannot carry ocean salt water as it can damage machinery.
Some of the affected areas require crossing the rough topography of mountains which also makes it difficult.
While the firefighters’ teams are working non-stop to contain the fires, they have been able to control a total of only 27%. Fire is spreading at such an alarming rate that manpower is falling short.
The fire is dangerous, but the hardship doesn’t stop there. People are now also advised not to drink tap water as it may be contaminated. Drinking this water could lead to serious health risks. Looking at all of this, one is sure that this is the worst time to be living in LA.
What Lies Ahead
What lies ahead is a glimmer of hope. The government has ordered an investigation to look into the shortage of resources. Governor Newsom has also introduced a Marshall plan, a major recovery effort. A lot of people have lost their most prized possessions their life, while others, their homes. While the lives cannot be brought back, efforts are underway to rebuild homes and try to restore the lives of those who survive with LA 2.0. Evacuation isn’t the end responsibility of the government. In fact, it starts there. Under the Marshall plan, efforts include trying to bring these evacuated families to normalcy after the fires have persisted. These are the worst fires that LA has seen. Lack of resources this time has made the government better prepare for future such adversities.
Conclusion
Los Angeles has seen the worst fire of all time and it is alarming. While it reminds us how powerful nature is, it also shows that no one is alone. Firefighters, leaders and respective teams are doing everything they can to contain these fires and protect the people. No one is stepping back and are hoping for the fires to die down soon. The Marshall Plan is a vision for the near future of LA 2.0 where resources will be abundant, houses rebuilt and people returned to normalcy.
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