World
January 14, 2025 05:30
los angeles - The ongoing wildfire in Los Angeles may have been sparked by the remnants of fireworks set off on New Year's Eve. The fire has claimed the lives of 24 people with 16 individuals still missing.
The devastating wildfire in Los Angeles is believed to have possibly started from the remains of fireworks set off on New Year's Eve, according to a report by the Washington Post. The death toll from the wildfires in and around the city of Los Angeles has risen to 24, with 16 people still unaccounted for. Officials from the National Weather Service have warned that the winds that could intensify the fire may last until January 15. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, a striking claim was made in the Washington Post that the Palisades fire that ravaged the city may have been ignited by the remnants of the initial fire caused by New Year's Eve fireworks.
Meanwhile, with the ongoing forest fires and destruction in the region, conspiracy theories have also started circulating. Claims that the fires were intentionally set have spread, with actor Henry Winkler suggesting that the fires could be a result of a deliberate sabotage. Actor and director Mel Gibson, in an interview, stated, "I could come up with all kinds of terrifying theories, conspiracy theories, and more, but it seems a little more appropriate to say there was a lack of water, wind conditions, and people willing and able to start a fire."
The state has been colored pink in an effort to protect areas that have not been reached by the fires, as dry desert winds are expected to make firefighting efforts even more challenging. A chemical called 'Phos-Chek,' which slows down the spread of fires, is being sprayed in unaffected areas by 9 planes and 20 helicopters. Phos-Chek, a mix of chemicals used to extinguish fires or slow down their spread, contains 'ammonium polyphosphate,' which is more effective than water as it doesn't evaporate easily.
As Los Angeles battles forest fires reminiscent of a Hollywood disaster film, the city's massive entertainment industry is beginning to calculate the cost of another serious crisis that its employees may not be able to afford. Actors, writers, and producers have lost their homes. Film and TV productions have been temporarily halted, and calls to cancel Hollywood's award season are growing. The city is home to more than 680,000 people working in the entertainment and service industries.
The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle's cooking show 'With Love,' who moved from the British royal family to the US, was also delayed due to the fires. The premiere of the 8-episode show, which was expected to take place this Wednesday, has been postponed to March 4.
Grammy-winning singer Beyonce extended a helping hand to those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Beyonce donated $2.5 million to those affected by the fires through her foundation BeyGOOD. The donation is said to be allocated to help families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes and support churches and community centers to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the forest fires.