Cross Blog

Update on California Wildfires

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Boston.com’s The Big Picture has an amazing selection of photos from the wildfires burning in California.

From The Big Picture:
Angeles National Forest, in the hills outside of Los Angeles currently has several wildfires tearing through it, the largest of which - named the Station Fire - has so far burned over 140,000 acres, destroyed nearly 100 structures, and claimed the lives of two firefighters whose vehicle fell from a road into a steep canyon.

Evacuation orders are in place for thousands in communities around the city, and residents of Los Angeles itself are contending with thick smoke and ash hanging in the air, causing air quality to drop to unhealthful levels in many parts. Currently, the Station Fire is estimated to be 22% contained, and favorable weather appears to be aiding the efforts of the firefighters.

You can follow the Red Cross’s response activities to this fire on our Disaster Online Newsroom.

We also suggest following @preparela @ocredcross and @sbredcross for local tweets.