Fire Threatens Los Angeles

In the western United States, it is common for fires to spread during this time of year. High temperatures and accumulated vegetation have contributed to California currently recording a total of 16 rapidly expanding wildfires. So far, 366,650 hectares have been scorched, largely due to the 'Park Fire' detected on July 22, which ravaged 174,000 hectares. This fire is now 99% controlled, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and there is no risk of further spread.

However, the situation in California is far from being under control. Two of the fires keeping the Los Angeles perimeter on alert are the 'Line Fire' and the 'Bridge Fire'. The first began on Thursday, September 5, severely affecting San Bernardino County, located 100 kilometers from Los Angeles. It is only 14% contained and has already affected nearly 14,000 hectares. Consequently, the Californian government has declared a state of emergency and adopted other extreme measures: thousands of people have been evacuated, multiple roads have been closed, and shelters have been set up for those forced to flee the intense fire.

The state executive has estimated that approximately 65,500 structures are threatened by this fire. This includes private properties, commercial establishments, and others. As of September 11, only 14% of the fire is contained.

On the other hand, the 'Bridge Fire', which has so far burned 19,000 hectares, began on Sunday, September 8, affecting both Los Angeles and San Bernardino County. Authorities have issued several evacuation orders for residents in areas such as Wrightwood, a community of about 4,000 people that has been completely evacuated. Some users have shared terrifying images on social media showing the sky entirely tinged with a reddish color.

The flames have even ravaged Mountain High ski resort in Wrightwood, which was celebrating its centenary this year. Considered California's most iconic ski slope, cameras have captured the passage of the fire. The images show how the fire reached the ski lift.

Near the San Bernardino Mountains, an area that concentrates a large part of the fire, is Mount Baldy, a community whose inhabitants have also received evacuation orders. However, some residents have ignored these orders and focused their efforts on trying to save their homes, as shown in some videos circulating online.

The California government has mobilized a large number of personnel to extinguish the multiple fires as soon as possible. Specifically, the deployment consists of 5,755 people including firefighters, soldiers, and first responders. Additionally, they have mobilized "the largest firefighting air force in the world," comprising 51 helicopters and nine fixed-wing aircraft. Moreover, a total of 520 fire trucks and 141 water tankers have been deployed.

Nevertheless, firefighters are experiencing difficulties extinguishing the fires due to high temperatures and challenging locations where the fire has spread. "We are dealing with elevated temperatures and rugged areas that are difficult to access where there haven't been fires in decades; hence all that vegetation has resulted in significant fuel loads," stated Rick Carhart, spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Furthermore, the institution has indicated that containment of the 'Bridge Fire' is not even at 1%.

The 'Los Angeles Times' reports that a total of 13 injuries have been recorded so far, including three firefighters. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities reported as yet.