California Wildfires: "Flames dancing in our backyard!"

Eaton Fire (Los Angeles): “We are in the second-largest zone affected by this wildfire. The flames were as close as 15 miles from our home. Though wildfires are not new to us, this one is terrifying. It feels like the fire is dancing in our backyard,” said Ananth Prasad, a Mangaluru native residing in Los Angeles.

Ananth and his family are among the thousands evacuated due to the raging California wildfires. He describes the current wildfire as the most intense he has seen in his 20 years in Los Angeles.

Unprecedented Fire Intensity

Ananth recounts spotting the first flames in the Palisades area on January 7 at around 6:30 PM. Despite initial alerts, he did not anticipate the fire reaching his locality, Eaton Fire, by the early hours of the next morning. “By 4:30 AM, the flames were threateningly close, and we received emergency alerts on our phones. There was no time to think. We grabbed essentials and evacuated to a safe shelter,” he shared.

His family—wife, two children, and their pet—joined a friend’s house for safety. For those without personal vehicles or elderly residents, local authorities arranged for evacuation assistance.

Winds Add to the Danger

“The strong winds are worsening the situation,” said Ananth. “The gusts are relentless, preventing firefighters from fully controlling the flames. Although the winds have subsided temporarily, the threat is not over. We are preparing for Santa Ana winds tomorrow, which might escalate the situation again.”

While the immediate area around Ananth’s home has seen reduced fire activity, nearby regions like Hollywood and Moore continue to face raging flames. The possibility of winds spreading the fire again looms large.

Power and Connectivity Woes

“When such incidents occur, electricity is the first to go. We have been without power for two days now. Gas stoves are the only means to prepare food. The days are spent in complete darkness,” he said.

Mobile network connectivity is also erratic. Damaged towers in the hilly regions have disrupted communication. Ananth can only access the network about a mile away from his home. He managed to contact his family in Mangaluru and reassured them of their safety.

Santa Ana Winds: A Growing Concern

The Santa Ana winds pose a significant threat as they fan the flames further, potentially spreading the fire to new areas. Originating from Nevada and Utah, these dry and warm winds often intensify during winter. The winds gain speed as they descend through mountainous regions, adding to the wildfire’s fury.

Local Administration Updates

Public services in the affected areas have come to a halt. Streetlights are out, traffic signals are non-functional, and roads are desolate. Fire is the only visible movement amidst this eerie stillness.

First-hand Experience

Ananth Prasad, originally from Mathadakani near Mangaluru’s Urwa Market, works as an Electric Advisor at a regional firm in Los Angeles. Despite the chaos, he expressed gratitude for being safe and shared his experiences exclusively with Udayavani.

(Reported by: Vidhaatri Bhat)