A new wildfire broke out north of Los Angeles this Wednesday, forcing authorities to issue thousands of evacuation orders on the west coast of the United States that has been stalked for two weeks by voracious flares.
The flames were advancing in the hills near Lake Castaic, spreading rapidly over more than 2,000 hectares in just two hours.
The fire is fanned by the strong, dry Santa Ana winds, traditional in California at this time of year, and which regained intensity this week in the region, spreading columns of smoke and embers.
Authorities issued evacuation orders impacting approximately 19,000 people around the lakewhich is almost 60 kilometers north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita.
“I’m praying our house doesn’t burn down,” a local resident told KTLA while packing his things into his car.
Fire in Los Angeles, United States. Photo:EFE
What is known about the new fires in Los Angeles?
These new flares broke out just as Southern California is going through a difficult season with ravenous wildfires that devastated entire neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, communities around the entertainment capital.
These fires have claimed at least 28 lives and reduced thousands of structures to ashes in the region that is experiencing a very dry rainy season.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urged citizens to follow evacuation orders and leave the area threatened by the flames immediately.
“We have seen the devastation caused by people who refused to obey these orders in the Eaton and Palisades fires,” said Robert Jensen of the firm.
“I don’t want to see that in our community too. If you received an evacuation order, please leave.”
Police are canvassing the neighborhood to urge people to evacuate, according to images on local television.
Firefighters from Los Angeles County and the forestry department are fighting the flames on the ground.
While other teams attack by air, with helicopters and other aircraft dropping water and retardant on the region.
AFP
