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Largest wildfire in the history of L.A. leaves 5,000 acres completely burned

An extensive line of fire covered part of the Verdugo Mountains – north of Los Angeles – and burned around 5,000 acres on Saturday morning, including a house.

Firefighters had to evacuate people from their homes and also closed the 210 Freeway because of the uncontrollable fire, which spread in every direction. Weather experts say firefighters will have to maintain their work for a few days, due to the high temperatures in the area.

Image Credit: Burbank Leader / Twitter

Last night and this morning, firefighters battled against the blazes to save not only the forest but also people and their properties. These were a “priority” for them according to Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas, who performed a news conference at 10 a.m. in the Lake View Terrace, along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

According to Terrazas and the L.A. Mayor, this is the largest wildfire that has ever occurred in the city, and that this is the first time in 30 years that the record is broken. “We can’t recall anything larger,” Terrazas said referring to La Tuna fire. He also warned people that the area is full of unburned fuel.

The wildfire has not stopped since Friday

On Friday, firefighters went house by house to warn people about the fire. At least 200 homes in Burbank, California, were evacuated. At the following day, the flames expanded to all directions, leaving people without the possibility of returning to their houses – some of them haven’t done it yet.

“Firefighters are battling not only 106-degree temperatures today with low relative humidity, but it’s also very steep and rugged terrain,” said on Friday Los Angeles Fire Department Captain, Erik Scott “Fortunately we have no injuries to firefighters.”

That same day, winds pushed part of the fire over the canyon ridgeline, forcing everyone to “immediately” evacuate the Brace Canyon Park area and Castleman Estate. They also closed the 210 Freeway, between the Glendale Freeway and Sunland Boulevard. They still don’t know when it’s going to be available for L.A. citizens again.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman, Erik Scott, police officers realized on Saturday morning that the wildfire had taken more than 5,000 acres, and had to evacuate people from Haven Way, Joaquin Drive, Olney Place, Remy Place, Mystic View Place and View Crest Drive. Firefighters managed to contain just 10 percent of the fire. However, no injuries were reported.

“Our biggest concern is the wind and weather,” Terrazas said. “The erratic weather is our No. 1 challenge. If there’s no wind, this is a relatively easy fire to put out. But when the wind changes, it changes our priorities because other properties become at risk.”

People who live near also have to follow certain preventions

On Saturday, The South Coast Air Quality Management District recommended children, elders, and people with respiratory diseases, to maintain inside their homes and to close their doors and windows to avoid bad quality air.

According to the AQMD smoke advisory, vulnerable people should stay in their houses and turn on the air conditioner – always remembering to clean the filter periodically. It is also advised not to use “a swamp cooler or whole-house fan.”

Source: Los Angeles Times

Categories: U.S.
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