As a photojournalist, this space is usually filled with “snaps” taken between assignments. Over the last several weeks there has been no time for “snaps” as fire after fire has swept throughout California. Lives have been overturned and California is learning to adjust to a troubling new “normal”. Bless all of those firefighters, law enforcement and others who continue to run into the flames to save lives and property. Also, thank-you to all of my colleagues who I have worked with covering these tragic events. There are no “fake media” or “enemies of the people” here, only dedicated professionals putting their safety in jeopardy to keep the public informed under difficult fast-changing conditions.
Containment on the Saddleridge Fire rose to 52% Wednesday as firefighters were able to stop the blaze from gaining any ground for the second
["Containment on the Saddleridge Fire rose to 52% Wednesday as firefighters were able to stop the blaze from gaining any ground for the second day in a row.
The blaze has stood at 8,391 acres — or about 13 square miles — since Monday night, and crews say they’re taking advantage of favorable conditions to tame the inferno that forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed homes.
With the threat of stronger winds returning this weekend, firefighters plan to work overnight to increase containment lines in remote, rugged areas that are burning. Some will also be assigned to patrol for smoldering debris and flare-ups, officials said.
Winds of 20-35 mph are expected Thursday morning, and there’s a chance of red flag conditions returning this weekend, according to Wednesday evening’s multiagency incident report."
"The blaze that broke out last Thursday, Oct. 10, had threatened more than 17,600 homes at its peak.
It wound up destroying 19 structures and damaging another 88, according to authorities’ latest assessment."
"Thousands had to evacuate, and one man died at a hospital after going into cardiac arrest. Eight firefighters have also suffered injuries that officials say are not life-threatening."]
Residents affected by the Saddle Ridge Fire gathered in Granada Hills to receive updates and voice concerns regarding the handling of the fi
["Residents affected by the Saddle Ridge Fire gathered in Granada Hills Wednesday to receive updates and voice concerns regarding the handling of the fire when it first erupted.
"Absolute disaster. I mean, the city tells everyone 'We're here to help you. Sign up for this program, sign up for that program,'" said Bill Cotter of the Community Police Advisory Board. "When the program is supposed to work, it just doesn't."
Cotter was referring to the city of Los Angeles' reverse 911 system that is supposed to call residents warning them of an emergency.
"Not one person anywhere of those properties that I've spoken to has gotten a single 911 call," Cotter added.
Angela Suarez of Granada Hills said her cousin in Thousand Oaks was the one who sent her the mandatory evacuation message.
The problem has been blamed on cell towers that suffered damage in the fire, but that does not explain landlines that never got a call, or cellphones outside the fire zone near working towers.]
The failure of the alert system and cell towers while not surprising is a reminder that your personal safety is ultimately your own responsibility. Redundant means of communication and receiving information are always a good idea, as well as deciding evacuation routes ahead of time.
Thank You @ocfirefighters 🙏👨🚒👩🚒🙏 - Your OC Firefighters responded to Los Angeles late last night to assist with the #saddleridgefire We have one Type-1 Strike Team and one Type-3 Strike Team assigned to the incident, comprising of approximately 40 firefighters. Not only are we assisting our neighbors during their time of need, we also have two prepositioned strike teams in Orange County in the event a wildfire breaks loose in our own backyard. 📷: @ocfirefighters #OCFA #OCFirefighters #ThankYou #WeAreGrateful #ThankaFireFighter #SupportFirstResponders #SayThanks 🙏😇🙏😇🙏😇🙏😇 (at Orange County, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3h3J-VH46D/?igshid=1212gxmdor2hn
This is the face of someone who doesn't understand that she can't sit outside in the sun because of all the smoke in the air. #wildfireseason #saddleridgefire https://www.instagram.com/p/B3h1Cixlsvp/?igshid=2ob9kgmj0eja
Obscureness of the Saddleridge fire warm October Friday sunset duskiness Dale, over looking private Whaler's Beach with sightings of Southern California celebrities in County Line, Malibu Los Angeles county, California. __________________________________ Although Virgos can be a little shy, they are very witty, fun, and yes, spontaneous. ___________________________ County Line Malibu is the quintessential California roadside surf spot. Located at the beginning of one the most picturesque sections of the PCH in Southern California, County Line is always one of the most visited surf spots in Los Angeles. All you have to do is pull over, park on the side of the street, and head out into the surf. _______________________________________________________ #saddleridgefire2019#saddleridgefire#thisismalibu#Malibuliving#malibulife#LifeintheBu#MalibuCalifornia#MalibuLifeStyle#LAMusic#californialove#visitcalifornia#LAGuitarist#LosAngelesMusicians#socalguitarist#CaliforniaDreaming#socalmusicians#CaliforniaLiving#sessionguitarist#MalibuWest#LosAngelesGuitarist#LosAngelesMusicScene#MusiciansLife#CaliforniaCoast#CountyLineMalibu#90265#MalibuBeach#myBuView#MalibuBayClub#MalibuawayofLife#MalibuLocals (at Malibu, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3g-P8Cg8Ga/?igshid=5svjhq5cxxxh
