Local researcher investigates where Californians' anger stems from during devastating wildfires.
Over five consecutive days, the LA wildfires have destroyed over 12,300 homes and claimed the lives of at least 11 people in the surrounding area.
Officials are struggling to contain devastating wildfires fanned by strong winds, leaving locals wondering what their tax dollars are going toward.
Over the past five days, wildfires in LA have destroyed over 12,300 homes, killing at least 11 people and displacing thousands. The Palisades Fire is currently 11% contained, the Eaton Fire 15% contained, the Kenneth Fire 80% contained, and the Hurst Fire 76% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
According to Fors, citizens of the United States and Los Angeles expect certain provisions from their government. When these basic needs are not met, people become angry.
"The people of California are willing to pay high taxes and support things they don't necessarily agree with because they assume the government is there to take care of them. However, in a situation like this, where there is total mismanagement, fear, and 0% containment, people are questioning what their tax dollars went towards."
In La Cañada Flintridge, California, Fors, who studies government waste and inefficiencies, evacuated his home with his grandfather after their neighbor knocked on their door at 6 a.m. and said, "You need to leave."
The research fellow highlighted several potential solutions to reduce wildfires, such as offering more favorable insurance policies for fire-resistant construction, burying fire-resistant power lines underground, shutting off power during strong winds, and increasing controlled burns.
The housing crisis in California has persisted for years, leaving displaced residents struggling to find suitable housing after being forced to evacuate their homes.
"At a statewide level, I'm not sure if the necessary efforts are being taken." — Kristian Fors
"In 2020, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, reached an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to clear 500,000 acres of forest land annually. However, they have only managed to clear about 100,000 acres per year. The reason for this is that California is surrounded by wild lands that accumulate brush, which is extremely dangerous. To address this issue, they have agreed to perform controlled burns."
On Saturday, Anthony C. Marrone, the LA County Fire Chief, informed reporters that his department is fully prepared for the Santa Ana winds that may reignite the fire through Wednesday.
The fire threat in Los Angeles County will remain high due to the combination of dry winds, air, and vegetation, according to Marrone.
Over 7,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,117 acres and is now 15% contained. Marrone stated that 2,832 emergency personnel are currently deployed to combat the fire.
Battalion Chief Todd Hopkins of Cal Fire stated that the Palisades Fire has grown to 21,596 acres and is currently 11% contained. A total of 5,316 structures, including 426 homes, have been destroyed in the fire. Additionally, more than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, he announced.
Planet Chronicle' Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
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