The warning to evacuate reached hundreds of families in Juniper Hills, Valyermo, Big Pines and Wrightwood.
Mrs. Michelle Valle was driving with her young daughter in the family car near the Bobcat fire and had to stop every moment to let crews pass with sirens and code lights on.
“We have to thank them for saving our lives,” the little girl said suddenly. The fire from the largest fire in the history of Los Angeles almost reached their home, the house was very close to the fire line, the family was going to evacuate when the firefighters managed to contain the fire in that area.
Mrs. Valle told La Opinion that the little girl helped put glue on a banner that they both made in gratitude. Later, the girl and her banner were already on social networks.
“We are extremely grateful to the firefighters for keeping us all safe. We hope that soon they will be able to put out the fire and return home to their families ”said the lady. “We have been fortunate not to have had to explain (to the little girl) why we cannot go home or, worse still, why home is no longer there.”
The Valle family is one of countless in the Los Angeles area that these days have had to unexpectedly face a fire that in two weeks has consumed 105,345 acres of land, according to information from the federal Forest Service.
The front line was located just 50 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles on Monday. The fire now threatens hundreds of homes in Juniper Hills, Valyermo, Big Pines and Wrightwood.
At least 4,000 people have been evacuated and six residential areas haveThere were new evacuation orders this Monday; Seven other areas received warning of potential evacuation orders, including the city of Pasadena.
More than 1,700 firefighters with 227 trucks and at least six helicopters tried to control the fire, but as of Monday it was only under control in 15 percent, according to the official version.
On Sunday the Los Angeles Regional Red Cross opened a new shelter for evacuees at the high school. Palmdale High School and by Monday already had just over 170 people housed, with preventive measures against potential infections.
But the spokesperson for the Red Cross, Marilyn Jiménez Dávila, explained that many other people have approached the shelter in search of information about that center and the fire, as well as in search of water and food.
“At this time it is crucial that the information reaches the community in Spanish,” said the spokeswoman; asked that “Residents affected by the Bobcat fire who need assistance, can go to the shelter or contact the Red Cross through the Disaster Hotline at 800-675-5799.”
Winds and parched terrain in late summer increase the threat of the Bobcat fanning up in the prnext days.
The Meteorological Service warned for its part that the heat, dryness and strong winds translate into “potential for rapid growth and extreme fire behavior.”
“We are in the middle of a cooling trend that will last until the middle of the week, “reported the Forest Service, but there are” gusts of wind will be 20 to 30 miles per hour at the tops and lessen at lower elevations. “
Red Cross Recommendations
The Los Angeles Regional Red Cross recommends hearing up-to-date news about the fire.
Too “check your emergency kit and replenish missing or low-supply items. Keep the kit close to you. Also add masks, hand sanitizer and gloves to protect against COVID-19. “
If you have time, take photos and videos of the inside and outside of your home, and be prepared to evacuate at any moment, but if you feel threatened, you do not have to wait for an order; be sure to leave your home well in advance.
Keep your pets in a room so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly; park your vehicle in reverse in the garage or outside, heading for your evacuation route.
Also limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep the indoor air clean by closing doors and windows to prevent outside smoke from entering. And download the Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, open shelters and expert advice on wildfires.
The Red Cross application is downloaded from this hyperlink:
www.redcross.org/cruz-roja/obtener-ayuda/aplicaciones-moviles.html
