National Guard Mobilized to Combat Wildfires Across the USA
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna provided updates on the ongoing fires in the city during a recent press conference. Luna revealed that approximately 400 National Guards from California have been deployed to assist in fighting the fires and will be stationed in designated areas starting tonight.
The National Guards will be involved in various firefighting efforts, including infrastructure maintenance, traffic control, and rescue operations. Luna emphasized that their presence will significantly bolster the firefighting capabilities in the city.
Unfortunately, Luna confirmed that 5 people have lost their lives in the region due to the fires, and there are concerns that this number may rise. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that the fire in the Eaton area has already spread to around 14 thousand acres with zero control over the situation. More than 5,000 structures have been damaged or rendered unusable due to the fires.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, and Marrone warned that if arson is determined as the cause, resulting deaths will be investigated as murder. The California National Guard has been requested to assist in the Palisades and Eaton regions, providing critical support in traffic control and protecting infrastructure.
A curfew will be enforced from 18.00 to 06.00 local time in Palisades, Eaton, and nearby areas. Mayor Victor Gordo of Pasadena urged residents to adhere to evacuation orders and not return home until official announcements are made.
Approximately 180 thousand people are under active evacuation orders, with an additional 200 thousand under evacuation warnings across the Los Angeles area.
The fires are predicted to result in significant financial losses, with estimates ranging from $52 billion to $57 billion according to AccuWeather. The ongoing situation remains critical, and authorities continue to urge residents to prioritize safety and follow evacuation orders.