A Dangerous Wildfire is Ripping Through Southern California

A large and deadly wildfire has already scorched a portion of a dry forest around Los Angeles and yesterday began surging in the direction of a large development of suburbs near the city. Five people were trapped yesterday in a smoky canyon, while multiple fire crews worked tirelessly to fight the blaze that started in Angeles National Forest. The fire, which is just one of eight that are currently ablaze in Southern California, is the largest of the group. Thus far it has burned 164 square miles and over 12,000 homes stand in its path.

Dianne Cahir, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service, noted, "It’s burning everywhere. When it gets into the canyons that haven’t burned in numerous years, it takes off. If you have any insight into the good Lord upstairs, put in a request." The five people who were trapped by the blaze in at a ranch near Gold Creek were actually warned ahead of time to evacuate but refused to do so. A spokesman for the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department said of those trapped: "What this say is, ‘Listen, listen, listen.’ Those people were told to get out two days ago, and now we are putting our people in danger to get them out."

Thus far, two firefighters have been killed battling the blaze, while 21 homes have been destroyed and thousands have evacuated. Adi Ellad, who lost his home in the fire, said, "It’s the worst roller coaster of my life, and I hate roller coasters. One second I’m crying, one second I’m guilty, the next moment I’m angry and then I just want to drink tequila and forget." At the fire’s current pace, Ellad won’t be the only one turning to a bottle of tequila to forget, but it is hoped that firefighters will begin to turn the tide against the fire in the coming days.