Lakhs, including celebrities, evacuate homes amid devastating California fires
What's the story
Several lakhs have had to evacuate their homes as multiple wildfires ravaged California, United States on Monday. While authorities had been battling the Kincade and Tick fires, another blaze, dubbed the Getty fire, erupted on Monday. The Getty fire rages on near posh neighborhoods Brentwood and Bel-Air and also houses the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Here are more details.
Kincaid fire
Kincaid fire erupted last week, spread across 75,000 acres
The main evacuation order was pronounced for the Sonoma County area in Northern California, where the devastating Kincaid fire has burnt through 74,324 acres. The massive blaze erupted last Wednesday and has only been 15% contained since. The fires have forced nearly 200,000 people out of their homes and all 40 public school districts across Sonoma County will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Information
Kincaid fires destroyed 123 structures, damaged 20 others
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 10 helicopters, 468 firefighting engines, 66 bulldozers, and 42 water tenders have been deployed to tackle the Kincaid fires, which have destroyed 123 structures (residential, commercial, etc.) and damaged 20 others.
Tick fire
200 firefighters battle Tick fires in Canyon Country; 82% contained
The Tick fires erupted last Thursday in the Canyon Country and have spread across 4,615 acres. As per the most recent update, the fires have been 82% contained and evacuation orders in the region have been lifted. 69 firefighting engines and 200 firefighters continue efforts to douse the inferno, which has destroyed 29 structures and damaged 46 others.
Twitter Post
Here are visuals of a family fleeing the Tick fires
A doorbell camera shows a California family evacuating their home as massive Tick fire surrounded their neighbourhood in Canyon Country, scorching nearby hills and filling the sky with smoke.
— Globalnews.ca (@globalnews) October 26, 2019
ALSO SEE: https://t.co/mAaeRbBwbX pic.twitter.com/OoNBuBnBac
Getty fire
On Monday, massive blaze erupted near Getty Center, LA
Meanwhile, the Getty fire broke out Monday along the 405 Freeway near the Getty Center and spread south and west, spanning 618 acres. 10,000 structures have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders. It was contained 5% as of 8:00 PM PDT Monday. Several celebrities including basketball player LeBron James and Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger evacuated their homes as the fire burnt many multimillion-dollar homes.
Information
'Terminator' premiere in Hollywood canceled due to Getty fires
Schwarzenegger, who is also the former Governor of California, also had the red-carpet premiere of the new film Terminator: Dark Fate in Hollywood canceled. Food for the event was distributed to local American Red Cross shelters housing fire evacuees, Paramount Pictures said.
Twitter Post
Watch: Mount Saint Mary's University student runs from Getty fires
Fire at MSMU, mandatory evacuation. Walked outside my dorm to my car, saw this, and RAN. #msmu #CaliforniaFires #GettyFire pic.twitter.com/bIhFxqRIxD
— on hiatus - SAFE FROM THE FIRE (@howobnoctis) October 28, 2019
Information
Hours after Getty fire reported, another blaze erupted in Calabasas
On Monday morning, another wildfire had erupted in Calabasas California. Dubbed the Oak fire, the blaze has spread across an area of 10 acres. The fire urged authorities to close parts of the 101 Freeway near Las Virgenes Road as firefighting efforts continue.
Evacuation
180,000 people fled homes amid Kincaid fires; struggle for accommodation
According to California Governor Gavin Newsom, 180,000 people have evacuated their homes due to the Kincaid fires. Many fled to the neighboring Marin County and struggled to find accommodation given the rush. An estimated 10,000 people need emergency shelters, the Red Cross said. Over 700 Airbnb hosts are now welcoming evacuees into their homes and rental properties across Northern California.
Reason
Hurricane-force winds worsened wildfires
Reportedly, the wildfires are being fanned by hurricane-force winds which, according to CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller, grew at a rate of one football field every three seconds on Wednesday. Although the winds slowed down towards the weekend, they were still strong, reaching speeds of 25 mph, CNN reported. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said an arson investigation is also underway for the Getty fires.
Power outage
Power outages across California due to winds
Meanwhile, the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) cut power to 965,000 customers in Northern California due to high winds. As of Monday evening, 587,000 customers didn't have their power restored, said Mark Quinlan, PG&E's incident commander. PG&E plans to cut power again on Tuesday considering forecasted wind events. By Monday evening, 500 customers in Bel Air, Westwood and Brentwood were also without power.
Governor's statement
Fire weather conditions are unprecedented, says Governor
Calling the wind events "historic," Governor Newsom, who declared a statewide emergency on Sunday, said the "fire weather conditions are unprecedented due to the scale, scope, wind speed and dry fuel conditions." On Monday, Newsom extended assistance to families and businesses affected in the fires, including relief from price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies; food replacement; emergency medical services, etc.