The fight against fires that broke out in Los Angeles and its surroundings continues at full speed. While the fire, which has been going on for days, has not yet been taken under control, the Los Angeles County Forensic Medicine Institute shared updated information on the number of people who lost their lives in the fires.
THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES INCREASED TO 16
In the statement made by the institution, it was noted that the number of people who lost their lives in the ongoing fires in the Palisades and Eaton regions increased to 16.
MORE THAN 37 THOUSAND DECARES OF AREA WERE TURNED TO AASH
In the statement, it was reported that 11 people died in the fire in Eaton and 5 people died in the fire in Palisades. More than 37 thousand decares of land have been burned to ashes so far in the fires that started on the evening of January 7 in different parts of Los Angeles and spread rapidly due to strong winds. More than 12 thousand buildings were damaged or became unusable in the fires.
THE MAYOR IS ACCUSED OF NEGLIGENCE
One of the agendas of those living in the USA is the negligence behind the fire’s growth. The lack of water in fire hydrants, the fact that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who went to Ghana, did not return to the city immediately, and Bass’s cut in the budget allocated for the fire department before the fires became the subject of discussion. The Los Angeles Fire Department warned that the budget cut would “affect the fight against large fires”, but Bass argued that this cut would not negatively affect the response to fires. Bass asked reporters at the airport after his trip: “Are you considering apologizing?” He left his question unanswered.
WERE RESCUE VEHICLES WORKING FOR THE RICH?
One of the claims reflected in the American media is that fire brigade rescue vehicles were directed to areas where the luxurious residences of the rich are located. It was claimed that no rescue work was carried out in some areas affected by the fire. On the other hand, rich people whose luxury residences were reduced to ashes also complain about the inadequacy of extinguishing efforts. On the other hand, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced that there has been a 55 percent increase in the number of calls the department has received since 2010. Despite this, the American official emphasized that the number of firefighters has decreased.
EVACUATION OF 180 THOUSAND PEOPLE
While more than 180 thousand people were evacuated due to fires, hundreds of schools in the region were closed and there are widespread power outages in the city. Although thousands of firefighters from the air and on the ground participated in the extinguishing efforts, strong winds and high temperatures make the intervention difficult. While an area of 150 km2 was destroyed, the extent of the destruction caused by the historical fire is expected to become clear within a few days.
The forest fires, which started in the Pacific Palisades region, quickly spread to residential areas with million-dollar mansions. According to data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, control has been achieved or is about to be achieved in three out of five regions. While the public is looking for blame for the failure to control the fires, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a ‘full independent investigation’ into why Los Angeles’ public services are inadequate. One of the biggest topics of discussion was why there was no water flowing from the fire hydrants. Fire officials claim that no fire brigade can stop the fires spread by strong winds. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated that staffing and resources are insufficient due to funding cuts.
THE WORST IN HISTORY
Experts also point to the climate crisis as the cause of the fires. According to scientists, global warming has caused a 172 percent increase in wildfires in the state since the 1970s, and that increase is expected to become more prevalent in the coming decades. Pointing to drought and increased wind speed, University of Colorado fire scientist Jennifer Balch stated that winter fires are much more destructive because they occur much faster. While AccuWeather company estimates that the damage from the recent fires could reach $ 57 billion (about 2 trillion Turkish Liras), the company’s chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter stated that this could be the worst wildfire in California history, depending on the number of structures burned and economic loss.
TRUMP ASKED FOR NEWSOM’S RESIGNATION
US President-elect Donald Trump claimed that the fires in Los Angeles were caused by the mismanagement of current president Joe Biden and California Governor Newsom. While Trump claimed that there was not enough water supply for the intervention, he also demanded Newsom’s resignation.
“TRUMP IS STILL PURSUING POLITICS”
Newsom said, “People are losing their homes, their loved ones and their lives. Trump is still pursuing politics.” Biden, who was informed about the fire by federal and state officials in the Oval Office, said that he expected the number of casualties to increase in the fire disaster. While it is stated that drought caused by global warming played a critical role in the Los Angeles fire, Trump’s attitude of not accepting climate change is also subject to criticism.
(AA)