Getty Fires and Evacuations

Courtesy+of+Google+Images.

Courtesy of Google Images.

Nicole Biggi ‘21, Staff Writer

On Monday, October 28, 2019,  a wind-driven brush fire broke out in the westside of Los Angeles, California. At 1:30 am, along the 405 freeway, the fire broke out forcing thousands of families to flee their homes due to mandatory evacuations. This rapid burning fire, burned over 600 acres of land as well as putting over 10,000 homes under mandatory evacuation. Firefighters were working well into the night frantically in order to contain the fire. The evacuation zone was quite large as it stretched from Mulholland Drive on the north side, the 405 on the east side, Sunset Boulevard on the south side, and Temescal Canyon on the west side. The 405 freeway experienced several hours of closure but eventually opened at 6:00 am Monday but many ramps remained closed. As the strong Santa Ana winds picked up embers were being blown miles ahead of the main fire which ignited more areas and homes. Many facilities opened their doors to evacuees such as Van Nuys/ Sherman Oaks Recreation Center, Stoner Recreation Center, and Cheviot Hills Recreation Center. Those investigating the fire determined that the initial cause was accidental and was caused by a tree branch that had fallen near power lines due to high wind conditions. The tree branch caused a sparking and arcing of the power lines which then ignited the nearby brush. This fire burned thousands of acres and left many people and their families in distress. The Los Angeles community came together in order to support those affected directly and indirectly by the fire.