Forest fires in the United States have reached Hollywood. What the media is saying
Forest fires in California continue for the third day. Foreign press reports that the first fires appeared in the evening of January 7, but due to dry and windy weather firefighters have not yet managed to curb the elements. Who suffered in the fire and what will be the consequences of the natural disaster - in the digest of "Izvestia".
The Los Angeles Times: This is one of the most destructive fire storms to hit the region in history
More than 2,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed and at least five people have died as wildfires swept through communities across Los Angeles County. Firefighters faced water shortages at some hydrants in upland areas in Pacific Palisades. The Department of Water and Power said the problem occurred because of unprecedented stress on the system.
The Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 70,000 residents are under evacuation orders or have received warnings in the Eaton fire area and 60,000 residents are under evacuation orders or have been warned in the Palisades fire area. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of looting in evacuation zones, he said
During a briefing in Santa Monica, U.S. President Joe Biden pledged that the federal government would throw all available resources into fighting the fires. The lack of rain this winter has extended the fire season in Southern California. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell warned residents to remain vigilant even if they are not currently in an area on fire.
Bloomberg: The Los Angeles fires are only the first act of this tragedy; the second will be the insurance mess
This disaster has all the makings of a high-budget Hollywood movie. There are many characters: the firefighters, some of whom are prisoners and get little money. The actor who helped move cars on Palisades Drive after they were abandoned by their owners. Ranchers who freed their horses so they could escape to safety.
Bloomberg
In a now-deleted tweet, real estate entrepreneur Keith Wasserman asked if anyone had access to private firefighters so he could save his multimillion-dollar home. "I'll pay any amount of money," he pleaded on air
The reality in which California now finds itself is indistinguishable from a movie about the apocalypse, except for one thing: insurance. No one has seen the residents of Gotham (the fictional city where the Batman superhero stories take place. - Ed.) discuss insurance premiums and calculate the damage after an evil monster has destroyed a bridge or skyscraper. The insurance crisis in California has caused many residents to turn to the FAIR Plan (state insurance for homeowners in high-risk areas, which is applied for after being turned down by other insurance companies. - Ed.), which has a fund of only about $700 million in cash. Meanwhile, in Pacific Palisades alone, the damage caused is estimated at nearly $6 billion.
BBC News: In Malibu, celebrity homes are on fire
Malibu, in western Los Angeles County, is home to many celebrities' homes. On Wednesday, TMZ reported that one of the homes owned by actress and singer Paris Hilton completely burned down on Malibu Beach. Other famous Los Angeles residents whose homes were affected by the fires have also been reported.
BBC News
At a press conference on Thursday night, authorities said another fire had broken out in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood, one of the most famous areas of Los Angeles, home to the famous Hollywood sign
U.S. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster mode in the state of California and ordered federal assistance to help rebuild the affected areas in addition to local authorities' efforts. That could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover losses on uninsured property and other programs to help people and business owners recover from the disaster.
ABC News: Los Angeles is not prepared for the spread of wildfires
The ongoing fires, which as of Wednesday had burned more than 16,000 acres, have worn down emergency responders. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was prepared for one or two major wildfires, but not four, especially given persistent winds and low capacity. The White House said the federal government has sent four large air tankers, 10 firefighting helicopters and dozens of fire engines to the county. Canada has also pledged its resources.
ABC News
Quebec Public Safety Minister François Bonnardel said Wednesday that his province will provide equipment and personnel to fight the fire. Specifically, the province has sent two amphibious planes and a crew to California, and other Quebec firefighters are on standby
The current situation will likely lead to major changes in how Los Angeles prepares for future fires. Mitigation must include not only an increase in firefighting personnel and equipment, but also focus on new hazards caused by climate change.
The Independent: Musk and Trump Jr. criticized California's fire department
On Wednesday, Ilon Musk posted a comment on his social media platform X criticizing the Los Angeles Fire Department's diversity hiring policy. One of the many pro-Trump accounts claimed that state leaders "used state funds to house illegals" instead of building infrastructure to store water.
The Independent
Donald Trump Jr. also spoke out, criticizing the Los Angeles Fire Department's transfer of surplus equipment to Ukraine for conflict relief in 2022. "Oh, sure, the Los Angeles Fire Department donated some of their supplies to Ukraine," he said, without adding any further details
The department said it sent surplus equipment such as hoses, nozzles and helmets to Ukraine in 2022. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, saying he prioritizes "a worthless fish called smelt" over Californians. The governor's office responded with a statement accusing Trump of baseless speculation.
