Source : NEW INDIAN EXPRESS NEWS
An unusual and ominous warning
Tuesday’s forecast included a rare warning: The winds, combined with severely dry conditions, have created a “Particularly Dangerous Situation”, the National Weather service said, meaning that any new fire could explode in size.
The forecast was later adjusted to say gusts were expected to pick up strength early Wednesday.
Packed and ready to go
Residents said they were ready to make a hasty escape.
Javier Vega, who said he feels like he has been “sleeping with one eye open,” and his girlfriend have planned out how they can quickly pack up their two cats, eight fish and leopard gecko if they get orders to evacuate.
“Typically on any other night, hearing helicopters flying overhead from midnight to 4:00 in the morning, that would drive anyone crazy,” Vega said. But figuring they were helping firefighters to keep the flames from threatening their neighborhood, he explained, “it was actually soothing for me to go to sleep.”
Preparing for another outbreak
Planes doused homes and hillsides with bright pink fire-retardant chemicals, while crews and fire engines deployed to particularly vulnerable spots with dry brush.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials who were criticized over their initial response expressed confidence that the region is ready to face the new threat. The mayor said she was able to fly over the disaster areas, which she described as resembling the aftermath of a “dry hurricane.”
Winds this time were not expected to reach the same fierce speeds seen last week but they could ground firefighting aircraft, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said.
He urged homeless people to avoid starting fires for warmth and to seek shelter.
SOURCE :- NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
