California Wildfires: Insights from a Resident Affected by the Blaze

Natural disasters affect many people each year worldwide. Because of conditions that people cannot help, some natural disasters often become uncontrollable. Across much of North America, there has been a drought and with high winds and a dry environment, wildfires are often sparked. In California, wildfires are burning out-of-control and forcing thousands of families to leave their homes and jobs.

It seems that the affected spans from San Diego to Los Angeles, which covers quite a large area and affects many people. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor of California, has issued a state of emergency in many counties that are affected by these wildfires. President Bush has also claimed a major disaster in the area. Not only are forests affected by the fires, homes, churches and other public places are now considered to be threatened.

Some individuals are under the impression that firefighters are fully capable of fighting these blazing wildfires. However, with fires this large and intense, that simply is not the case. Because of the high wind gusts, helicopters are not able to dump water from they sky above. Fire engines can not get close enough to the fires for the water hoses to reach the flames either. There have already been several firefighters injured as their fire engines were swallowed by the massive flames.

I have spoken with Ted Misselhammer, a friend of mine who lives near the area, and he is truly concerned for the entire area. He says that thousands of families have been relocated and that there will be thousands more evacuated soon because of the disaster. Because of the evacuations, many Californians have had to move in with family members and friends. People have also been given the option of being moved to public shelters that have been set up for affected families.

Ted did say that hotels have been fully booked and it is very hard to find an available hotel or motel in the nearby area, unless you had made a previous reservation. Not only do the wildfires affect their homes and personal belongings, but their jobs and education as well. He also said that the atmosphere is heavily smoke-filled with large dark clouds floating overhead. Ted is concerned that the poor air quality in the area will be a major problem for elderly people, newborn infants and children and those suffering with breathing difficulties.

He said that the local officials have warned against outdoor exercise because of the air quality. Ted says that local attractions, universities and other public places have all been closed down, but are hoping to reopen sometime before the weekend. Because President Bush declared a major disaster in the area, Ted is sure that the local people will be able to apply for federal grants and loans that will help them get back on their feet. This would include loans for new homes.