Authorities talk about the possible cause of the Getty fire and say there are several counties under threat from the winds
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday to advise the work being done to combat the Getty fire, which began near Highway 405 during the early hours of Monday.
At the end of this edition, the incident had already burned more than 656 acres and was contained by 15%, local authorities said.
"We have 1,165 firefighters working, there are 12 completely lost homes and five partially damaged homes," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
He also confirmed that after an investigation, it was concluded that the fire in the Getty area began when the tree branch fell on power lines causing sparks that gave way to the fire.
"Our LAFD (Fire Department) fire investigators watched the video of someone who was driving and who was one of the first people to call 911 … It is the moment we believe the fire began," Garcetti said. "That branch came from a tree, which is about 25 feet away."
The head of the Los Angeles fire department (LAFD) Ralph Terrazas said it was an accident.
“There is no evidence of (which originated from a) homeless camp, there is no evidence of arson. It was an accidental start, ”he added.
The result has been devastating for several families and Terrazas said they have not let their guard down. He said 24 additional fire departments are supporting to end the fire and that the most serious part was that the winds – expected from 11:00 p.m. from yesterday — the flames will fan.
"Its apogee will be around 3 in the morning (Wednesday) and it only takes a flame to unfold and start another fire," said Terrazas.
For this reason, officials present warned evacuated area residents not to return to their homes until authorities allow.
“We have two shelters that are not full for people who wish to spend the night there; Pacific Palisades and Westwood Recreation Center, ”said Mayor Garcetti.
California on alert
Governor Newsom said this has been a difficult and very long week in California where residents are living under stress and worry due to unexpected fires from San Diego to northern California.
Newsom said the Kinkade fire in Sonoma County in northern California has burned more than 75,000 acres and that more than 4,000 firefighters were working to extinguish it.
“We have received help from almost a dozen states. We have 75 Oregon fire trucks, 25 from Washington state and others from states like Montana, ”said the governor.
He added that “more than 200,000 people were evacuated in recent days. We have dozens and dozens of shelters that are operating in Northern California. ”
This fire started on October 23 and is only 15% contained.
Newsom said that at the moment 43 counties in California are under red flag due to strong winds.
"In northern California, as in Los Angeles, winds are coming back tonight until tomorrow afternoon," said the governor.
Without hesitation, Governor Newsom thanked the “extraordinary” help of the Trump administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the important help without delay.
“Every order we have placed has been given to us. The support has come in real time, ”he said.
Prepared for the future
Governor Newsom said the fires that have started this year have been "relatively modest" compared to previous years.
"The fires are at a slight advantage above average," said the governor.
And he indicated that they were of smaller scale before the incident of 2018, with the Wosley and Camp fires, and in 2017 with the Thomas fire.
Much of this is because the authorities feel ready to face the fires with enough personnel and resources.
"We don't just want to keep our focus here (in the Getty) … We are prepared to fight more than one battle," Garcetti said.
“We have put resources throughout the city supporting each other to be sure that we are in position in case the fires arrive.
Terrazas stressed his concern about small flames that may immediately result in fires and therefore said firefighters have increased.
"I feel confident that we are ready for the challenge," he said.
Adopt an animal or take care of it temporarily
The Los Angeles Animal Services department asks the public to consider temporarily adopting or caring for pets to make room in their shelters for animals that have been displaced by recent wildfires.
Those interested can volunteer to raise a pet by printing an application at http://www.laanimalservices.com/volunteer/foster-program/ or by going to one of the six closest Animal Services centers. These are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. at 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. at 5 p.m.
To find an animal center near you you can visit http://www.laanimalservices.com/shelters/
Poor air quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) reported that the smoke from the Getty fire has caused unhealthy air quality in the coastal County of northwestern Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
The notice remains valid until Wednesday, October 30.
“It's hard to know where the smoke, ashes or soot from a fire will go, or how the winds will affect the level of these particles in the air, so we ask everyone to remember that smoke and ashes can be harmful to health, even for healthy people, ”said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer in a statement.
People living in these areas are asked to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and limit physical exertion (either indoors or outdoors), such as exercise. This is especially for those who suffer from heart disease, asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.
If your condition worsens, contact your health care provider immediately for medical advice or call 911.
