Southern California residents are urged to take caution as the risk of wildfires increases in the area. Santa Ana winds are escalating the danger, resulting in widespread damage and evacuations across San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
As of the morning of Saturday, October 17, only about five percent of the wildfire has been contained. The Orange County Fire Authority confirmed that 400 firefighters have responded to the call for help, with more on the way.
Authorities Urge Evacuations Amid the Ongoing California Wildfires
The NBC affiliate in Los Angeles reports that six homes have been confirmed to be “damaged or destroyed” by the fires. But with the unpredictability of flames and new evidence gathered from aerial imagery, even more residences may be in jeopardy.
“We’ll get our damage assessment teams in there, but right now, our firefighters saved thousands of homes in this area,” Steve Concialdi, the public information officer with OCFA, told the outlet.
Authorities issued evacuation orders, impacting several neighborhoods, including around 4,600 homes and 16,000 residents. OCFA Fire Chief TJ McGovern kept the public informed during a press conference.
As the risk continues, officials want residents to take caution and evacuate when ordered.
“Please evacuate, do not stand around,” Orange County Supervisor Vice Chair Katrina Foley told the NBC station in an official statement. “I’m seeing all these people on the sidewalk looking at it like we’re watching some kind of a show. This is not a show. This is real life, and it’s dangerous.”
Journalists Describe the Tragedy Unfolding
NBCLA has reporters on the ground, surveying the scene. One journalist revealed the “heartbreaking scene” behind him as firefighters contained the flames.
“We are on Via La Mirada and this is what we arrived here just a few minutes ago to see,” the reporter told viewers as the camera unveiled the devastation. “This is a home that just completely did not survive this fire. What is even more heartbreaking, when we arrived, is that when you’re seeing homes like this, you can really see a little bit of what the family in here is losing.”
The camera zoomed in on one ruined home, revealing a bedframe and other personal items.
The journalist adds that the news crew witnessed several displaced families trying to douse their homes with water. They were doing everything in their power to stop the flames from spreading. One couple with a small child huddled together, accepting comfort from a firefighter.
The video reveals completely destroyed homes on one side of the street. Just across the road, other homes remained completely unscathed.
Our hearts go out to those impacted by the devastating wildfires.
Southern California Wildfires Burn Homes as Santa Ana Winds Fuel Extreme Fire Risk