Heroic deeds in Los Angeles: Gratitude amidst the devastating infernos

Heroic deeds in Los Angeles: Gratitude amidst the devastating infernos

In Altadena, California, acrid smoke blanketed the sky as Gail watched flames from the raging Eaton Fire consume her neighbor's home. Any spark carried by powerful gusts of wind could set fire to the native retreat where she has lived for a decade - and all she can do is watch.

Despite calling 911 several times, Gail tells CNN, "Obviously they're very busy." Several fires are raging in Los Angeles, devastating entire neighborhoods and straining the fire department's resources. At least five people have died and several others have suffered “serious injuries,” according to authorities.

Community help in times of need

When the flames reached Gail's property and burned down her garage, neighbors rushed to her aid. “I don’t know who all these people are who are trying to save my house right now, but I’m very grateful to them,” she says. Volunteers grabbed water hoses and desperately tried to keep the flames at bay by dampening Gail's roof and garden. But as the wind changes, reality becomes more bitter.

“I'm glad it's still standing at the moment, but I don't have much hope,” she admits. The Los Angeles County wildfires have burned thousands of acres in just over a day, with the fire near Altadena growing four times as large in just a few hours. In the West, the Palisades Fire is already one of the most destructive fires in California history - and so far it has not been contained.

Heroism of the firefighters

Despite the raging fire, stories of heroism emerge. Thousands of firefighters and first responders are working to contain the flames and evacuate residents - even as their own homes go up in flames. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that several of his employees lost their homes. His deputies had to evacuate the Altadena Sheriff's Office overnight, he said at a press conference on Wednesday. As they fled, residents ran to them from different directions, asking for help to get out of their buildings.

“They could barely get people out in time before the buildings caught fire,” Luna said. Amid extreme conditions, heat and thick smoke, some firefighters and first responders are working around the clock to fight the flames and save lives.

Determination and support

"The firefighters here on the front lines are exhausted. You can see it in their eyes, but they won't leave here until they have a relief," Brent Pascua, a Cal Fire battalion chief, told CNN on Wednesday. As the fires rage in Los Angeles County and... Get closer to historical symbols of Hollywood, the National Guard was mobilized to assist in the firefighting efforts.

“This is a tragic time in the history of Los Angeles, but also a time when we will truly be tested and see who we really are,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at a news conference Wednesday morning.

Terrible wind conditions and evacuation measures

The infernos were fueled by strong wind gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour, which grounded flights and temporarily interrupted any attempts to extinguish the fire from the air. Some firefighters had to flee the flames in their vehicles as the wind increased. "The winds were like nothing I've ever seen before. Firefighters, police officers and deputies took shelter in their vehicles to avoid being injured by the fire," McDonnell said.

“They stayed there until she was able to get out of the car and do her work.” As the Eaton Fire advanced toward homes, police officers went door-to-door to evacuate people, including the elderly and those with mobility issues, authorities reported Wednesday. “They have saved many, many lives in the last 22 hours,” Pasadena City Manager Miguel Marquez said at a news conference. “Their efforts were heroic.”

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported that the fire department responded to more than 3,600 emergency calls in 24 hours - more than double the number on an average day.