Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles, Fanning Flames of Recrimination
Overview of the Disaster
Winds calmed Friday around Los Angeles, providing a fleeting window of opportunity for firefighters battling five major blazes, as official recriminations began over responsibility for the disaster. At least 11 people have died as flames ripped through neighborhoods and razed thousands of homes this week in a disaster that US President Joe Biden likened to a “war scene.”
The Impact of the Disaster
As the scale of the damage to America’s second-biggest city came into focus, one new estimate suggested the bill could hit $150 billion. Angelenos grappled with the heart-rending ruin. Hester Callul, who reached a shelter after fleeing her Altadena home, told AFP, "I lost everything. My house burned down and I lost everything."
Efforts to Combat the Blazes
With fears of looting and crime growing, California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the National Guard to bolster law enforcement. A nighttime curfew has been imposed in evacuated areas, and dozens of arrests made. "This curfew will be strictly enforced," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. "We are not screwing around with this." The five separate fires have so far burned more than 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares), California’s fire agency reported.
Progress and Challenges
A lull in winds enabled much-needed progress in tackling the fires Friday. The biggest of the blazes has burned down more than 20,000 acres of the upscale Pacific Palisades and Malibu neighborhoods, where firefighters said they were starting to get the fire under control. By Friday eight percent of its perimeter was contained — meaning it can’t spread any further in that direction. "Braveheart" actor Mel Gibson was the latest celebrity to reveal his Malibu home had burned down, telling NewsNation the loss was "devastating."
Recriminations and Criticism
Authorities have said it was too early to know the cause of the blazes, but criticism has mounted of officials’ preparedness and response. Newsom ordered on Friday a “full independent review” of the city’s water utilities, describing the lack of water supplies and loss of pressure at hydrants during the initial fires as “deeply troubling.” Los Angeles fire chief Kristin Crowley blamed funding cuts to her department, telling Fox News affiliate KTTV: “We are still understaffed, we’re still under-resourced, and we’re still underfunded.” Meanwhile, emergency managers apologized Friday after false evacuation alerts were erroneously sent to millions of mobile phones, sparking panic.
The Impact of Human-Caused Climate Change
Wildfires occur naturally, but scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather and changing the dynamics of the blazes. Two wet years in southern California have given way to a very dry one, leaving ample fuel on the ground primed to burn. The fires could be the costliest ever recorded, with AccuWeather estimating total damage and loss between $135 billion and $150 billion.
Conclusion
The wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction and devastation in their wake, claiming the lives of at least 11 people and leaving thousands without homes. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the causes of the disaster are complex and multifaceted, and that a comprehensive and independent investigation is necessary to determine the responsibility for the tragedy.
FAQs
- How many people have died in the wildfires?
- At least 11 people have died.
- How much damage is estimated to have been caused by the wildfires?
- Total damage and loss are estimated to be between $135 billion and $150 billion.
- Who is responsible for the wildfires?
- It is too early to determine the cause of the blazes, but criticism has mounted of officials’ preparedness and response.
- What is the impact of human-caused climate change on the wildfires?
- Scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather and changing the dynamics of the blazes.