Wildfires in Los Angeles have already claimed more than five lives and destroyed 12,000 buildings. The Austrian Consul General in Los Angeles speaks of a “fire of a new dimension”.
The enormous fire engulfs one house after another: 130,000 people have already had to leave their homes. “New fires everywhere,” says Austrian director Robert Dornhelm from Los Angeles, describing the desperate situation in “Journal um eight” on Ö1. The flames also spread to Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Last minute escape
Dornhelm reported that he almost waited too long to escape the flames. “When we drove away there was already fire left and right,” says the filmmaker, describing the “doomsday mood”. Hurricane-like winds would make the situation so dramatic. The combination with the fire is devastating. The fire brigade explained to him that everything in his residential area had burned down – but he still hoped that his house could have been spared.
Consul General: “This event has another dimension”
Michael Postl, consul general in Los Angeles, had to interrupt a business trip to Las Vegas. “We have often experienced forest fires here, but this event has a different dimension,” Postl tells the “Krone”. The drought in combination with the hot wind from the desert turns the entire region into one inferno.
According to the current state of affairs, there are no Austrians among the many injured, but two have already lost their homes due to the fire. Others, on the other hand, have to watch through video cameras in their homes – at least from a safe distance – as the flames devour their belongings piece by piece…
American media are already reporting on one of the worst fire disasters in the history of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden canceled his planned trip to Italy, which included an audience with Pope Francis. About 7,500 emergency services are fighting fires. “We are using all available resources to fight these fires,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said. Newsom fears an increase in the number of victims. In an interview with CNN he spoke of “complete destruction”.
“Chaotic scenes” during evacuations
Numerous residents tried to leave the area, which led to huge traffic jams, according to American media. A resident reported “chaotic scenes” to CNN. It is burning north of Hollywood Boulevard, an area that is home to several tourist destinations, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
