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Tag: blazes

  • How incarcerated firefighters are helping battle the blazes around Los Angeles


    Stephanie Sy:

    More than 1,000 of the firefighters that have been battling the Southern California wildfires are convicts, part of a long-running state program. Training and deployment onto the fire lines is voluntary, with inmate firefighters making a maximum of about $10 a day or up to $30 if they work a 24-hour shift.

    They may also qualify to get two days shaved off their sentence for every day they work. The state has become reliant on these men and women during the increasingly long fire season, and the program is estimated to save California tens of millions of dollars a year.

    Supporters say the program offers a pathway out of prison, but critics say the work and pay are exploitative.

    For more, I’m joined by Sam Lewis, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

    Sam, thank you so much for joining the “News Hour.”

    I understand that you have personally visited these firefighters at their base camps in L.A. very recently. Tell me, how is their morale? Are they pumped that they’re able to help in this crisis?



    Incarcerated Firefighters: Unsung Heroes in the Battle Against Los Angeles Blazes

    As wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, a group of unsung heroes are on the front lines battling the flames – incarcerated firefighters. Despite being behind bars, these individuals are risking their lives to help protect communities and save lives.

    In California, the state’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates a unique program that trains and deploys incarcerated individuals to assist professional firefighters in responding to wildfires. These incarcerated firefighters undergo rigorous training and are equipped with the skills necessary to combat fires in challenging terrain.

    These individuals work long hours in dangerous conditions, often for little to no pay, but their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. They play a crucial role in containing and extinguishing wildfires, helping to save homes, businesses, and lives in the process.

    While some may question the ethics of using incarcerated individuals for firefighting duties, it is important to recognize the valuable contributions they make to public safety. These individuals are given the opportunity to gain valuable skills and work experience, which can help them transition back into society upon their release.

    As we continue to witness the devastating impact of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, let us not forget the sacrifices made by these incarcerated firefighters. They may be behind bars, but they are true heroes in the fight against the blazes that threaten our communities.

    Tags:

    1. Incarcerated firefighters
    2. Los Angeles wildfires
    3. Inmate firefighters
    4. California wildfires
    5. Prison firefighter program
    6. Wildfire emergency response
    7. Incarcerated firefighter assistance
    8. Los Angeles fire crews
    9. Inmate wildfire fighters
    10. California prison firefighting

    #incarcerated #firefighters #helping #battle #blazes #Los #Angeles

  • Here’s how to help wildfire victims as California blazes explode in size


    Strong Santa Ana winds are fueling multiple wildfires burning across Southern California, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee from their homes.

    The Palisades Fire has spread across more than 23,000 acres and is currently at 31% containment, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

    Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has charred more than 14,000 acres and is currently at 65% containment.

    At least 27 fire-related deaths are being investigated by the Los Angeles County medical examiner, with many others sustaining injuries.

    President Joe Biden signed a disaster declaration for California at the request of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency on Jan. 7.

    Here’s how you can help those affected by the wildfires:

    California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund

    The California Fire Foundation works with community-based organizations and local fire agencies to offer financial support for residents who are impacted by the fires.

    Click here to learn more.

    Wildfire Recovery Fund

    The California Community Foundation has worked to help Los Angeles County since 1915.

    The agency’s Wildfire Recovery Fund targets hard to reach communities in the area with the intent of providing long-term recovery relief.

    Click here to learn more.

    Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

    The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based organizations to distribute food and other essentials to those displaced by the wildfires with meals.

    Click here to learn more.

    Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

    The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides vital equipment for firefighters and funds programs that are critical to help the agency continue to protect communities and save lives.

    Click here to learn more.

    Mercy Chefs

    Mercy Chefs is a nonprofit organization specializing in disaster relief to provide meals to victims, firefighters, first responders and volunteers.

    The organization has provided more than 28 million restaurant-quality meals across the country and around the world.

    Click here to learn more.

    Rotary Club of Altadena

    Click here to learn more.

    American Red Cross

    The American Red Cross has hundreds of volunteers deploying to Los Angeles to assist with emergent needs of those displaced by the fire.

    The agency currently has four shelters in place and plans to add more as needed, according to Los Angeles regional executive director Joanne Nowlin.

    “This is significant,” Nowlin told ABC News. “It’s not just the fire, but you’ve got wind damage, you’ve got power outages, you’ve got trees falling, deteriorating air quality. This is impacting thousands and thousands of folks in Los Angeles.”

    The American Red Cross provides emergency relief to residents and families impacted by disasters, providing meals, medical care and a safe place to shower and sleep.

    Click here to learn more.

    “Good Morning America” is heading into the disaster zone in Southern California to help families in need and share stories of resilience as the devastating wildfires continue. Tune in to “Good Morning America” on Friday, Jan. 17, with continuing coverage on GMA3, ABC News Live and across ABC News all day.



    As wildfires continue to ravage California, leaving countless individuals and families displaced and in need of assistance, it is crucial for us to come together and support those affected by these devastating fires. Here are some ways you can help wildfire victims:

    1. Donate to reputable organizations: Consider donating to organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way, or the California Fire Foundation, which are providing emergency relief and support to those impacted by the wildfires.

    2. Volunteer your time: Many organizations are in need of volunteers to help with various tasks, such as distributing supplies, providing emotional support, or assisting with cleanup efforts. Check with local agencies or relief organizations to see how you can lend a hand.

    3. Provide supplies: Consider donating essential items such as non-perishable food, water, clothing, blankets, toiletries, and baby supplies to local evacuation centers or shelters.

    4. Offer shelter: If you have the means, consider opening up your home to those who have been displaced by the wildfires. You can also check with local organizations to see if they are in need of temporary housing for evacuees.

    5. Spread awareness: Share information about the wildfires and ways to help on social media, and encourage your friends and family to join in the relief efforts.

    6. Support small businesses: Many businesses in wildfire-affected areas have been forced to close or evacuate, resulting in financial hardships. Consider supporting these businesses by shopping online, purchasing gift cards, or donating funds to help them recover.

    By coming together and offering our support, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the wildfires in California. Together, we can help wildfire victims rebuild and recover from this devastating disaster.

    Tags:

    1. California wildfires
    2. Wildfire victims
    3. Help wildfire victims
    4. California blaze
    5. Wildfire relief
    6. California fire update
    7. Donations for wildfire victims
    8. Support California wildfire victims
    9. Ways to help wildfire victims
    10. California wildfire assistance

    #Heres #wildfire #victims #California #blazes #explode #size

  • Firefighters battle multiple blazes in Los Angeles County, with Chico State responding to impacted students | News


    CHICO, Calif. – Firefighters battled early Thursday to control a series of major fires sweeping across Los Angeles County, including massive blazes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

    Officials say the fires have already claimed the lives of five people, destroyed homes and forced thousands of residents from their properties. Communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena have been ravaged, while evacuees fled in panic as flames raced through neighborhoods.

    Ferocious winds that have been fanning the flames and complicating evacuations have begun to subside, providing a glimmer of hope for first responders. Firefighters now have the opportunity to make more progress in containing the fires, though the situation remains volatile. As of Thursday morning, CAL FIRE reported the following statistics:

    • Palisades Fire: 17,234 acres
    • Eaton Fire: 10,600 acres
    • Hurst Fire: 671 acres
    • Lidia Fire: 348 acres
    • Sunset Fire: 43 acres

    As the fires continue to rage, Chico State is offering support to its students and staff who have ties to the Los Angeles area. The university is home to more than 1,000 students from LA County, many of whom have family and friends impacted by the devastation.

    “We are extremely concerned and devastated by the destruction these fires have caused,” Chico State said in a statement. “We currently have more than 1,000 students who hail from LA County. Beyond that, many students and employees have family or close friends in the area who have been affected.”

    Although the university is currently between semesters and students are not traditionally traveling back to campus this weekend, Chico State plans to closely monitor the situation as students return next week. “We want them to prioritize the well-being of themselves and their loved ones,” the statement continued. “We will work with students to provide resources and assistance as the semester gets started.”



    Firefighters in Los Angeles County are currently battling multiple blazes that have ravaged acres of land and threatened communities. The wildfires have forced evacuations and caused widespread destruction, with firefighters working around the clock to contain the flames.

    In response to the wildfires, Chico State University has activated its emergency response team to assist students who have been impacted by the fires. The university is providing support and resources to those affected, including temporary housing and other forms of assistance.

    As the fires continue to rage, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by these devastating wildfires, and we are grateful for the brave firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect our communities.

    Tags:

    Firefighters, multiple blazes, Los Angeles County, Chico State, impacted students, wildfires, emergency response, California wildfires, firefighting efforts, disaster relief, news updates

    #Firefighters #battle #multiple #blazes #Los #Angeles #County #Chico #State #responding #impacted #students #News