Palisades fire reignites: Fireworks blamed, response delay criticized
The battle against powerful fires continues in California. "The Washington Post" reports on a shocking theory regarding the source of the Palisades fire. A week before, a fire reportedly appeared in the same place on New Year's Eve due to fireworks. Residents believe that on January 7, the fire ignited in the exact same spot, but the firefighters' response was slower.
According to findings from "The Washington Post," the Palisades fire broke out in the same place where firefighters extinguished a blaze a week earlier. The report states that services were called to Pacific Palisades (a district of Los Angeles) just after midnight on New Year's due to a brush fire. Fireworks were said to be the source of the blaze. The fire was brought under control in an hour.
Satellite images obtained by "The Washington Post" identified a fire trail on New Year's Eve. Additional photos taken on Tuesday, when the Palisades fire erupted, indicate that the smoke's origin matched that trail. According to district residents who spoke with the newspaper, this time the firefighters' response was not as prompt as during the January 1 intervention. The fire raged for 45 minutes before a helicopter arrived. A witness reported that the helicopter had no water to extinguish the fire.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fires but have promised thorough investigations and to inform the public. According to one theory, the New Year's Eve fire might have continued to smolder until it rekindled at some point. However, the fire department stated that a crew checked the area and found no smoldering.
Tragic toll of fires in California
Thus far, the fires in California have killed at least 24 people and destroyed an estimated 100,000 acres of land, 12,300 homes, and other buildings. Losses exceed 135 billion dollars, and 180,000 people have had to evacuate.
The mentioned Palisades fire is the largest in Los Angeles. It has destroyed 59,000 acres. Meanwhile, the most tragic is the Eaton fire in Pasadena, which resulted in 16 deaths. Authorities state that fire risks may persist at least until Wednesday.
