My blessed home state of California has a raging inferno destroying houses, property and lives, and the photos and videos are alarming and heartbreaking.
This one has gone viral for its haunting beauty:
Words fail me. This is the Woolsey Fire approaching Malibu as people desparately are trying to evacuate on PCH. pic.twitter.com/rdJGvbu7kN
— Spin Doctor (@SpinDr) November 9, 2018
That is the PCH, one of the most beautiful drives in California, and some say the world, but right now people are choking it with traffic in order to try to escape the fires.
The evacuation from #Malibu is slow going. Photo by @jimmyalto shows cars headed south on PCH toward Santa Monica. #WoolseyFire #MalibuFire pic.twitter.com/PISueh3JHB
— Bradley Allen (@BradleySA) November 9, 2018
Photo from a friend’s house in Malibu, as the fire inches closer to PCH. #CBSLA pic.twitter.com/JIcuvXZEmE
— Stephanie Simmons (@StephKHOU) November 9, 2018
“Biblical” levels of destruction:
I had never heard of a fire tornado until today and I really kind of hope I never see a firenado again in my life. This legitimately feels like biblical levels of destruction. #CaliforniaFires pic.twitter.com/JxUw3C1i3B
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) November 10, 2018
This is what a hero looks like #CaliforniaFires #Heroes pic.twitter.com/K2v9BtLOdx
— Jeannie O'Conor (@RealJeanniekate) November 10, 2018
Heartbreaking:
WATCH: Father sings to 3-year-old daughter to keep her calm as they drive through the devastating Camp Fire. https://t.co/CF8OrNG8yM@GadiNBC and @Miguelnbc will have the latest on the #CaliforniaFires tonight on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. pic.twitter.com/1eTdP0S1s0
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) November 9, 2018
I can’t imagine the horror of trying to get my loved ones out of danger. Some weren’t lucky enough to get out – nine people have died, some found in scorched cars.
I’ve seen some horrific pictures of the #CaliforniaFires but this one just brings me to tears. Sending positive to energy to my adopted home state. pic.twitter.com/8BYJMgqbfN
— Greg Levine (@drummingfish) November 10, 2018
Here’s CNN:
Just horrible. Please pray for the Californians affect by this terrible disaster.
UPDATE:
I forgot to add this tweet from Trump – it seems terribly insensitive to me:
There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
I’m not so sure that is accurate at all, but even if it was, it’s not the time to cast spurious allegations of blame. People are dying out there, their property is being destroyed. It’s profoundly sad that during tragedies, everyone is a rush to politicize all the time.
On the other hand, if you know anyone in California, encourage them to seek help if they need it, or offer help if they can provide it:
A LOT of people are being displaced because of the massive #CaliforniaFires.
— ¡El Sooopèrr! ن c137 (@SooperMexican) November 10, 2018
If you are in SoCal, reach out to your friends and family, offer a place to stay for them if you have it. #pleaseRT
Here are some other resources:
Fire Tracker Maps: https://t.co/qlknmL0jgnhttps://t.co/Gx8M9skWG6
Disaster Routes / Traffic Maps: https://t.co/KeNoSxJu9bhttps://t.co/HslTxCqwWP
California Emergency Management Fire Incident Information : https://t.co/DWq6e1JJw8
Shelters: https://t.co/1tF1e8R9Sg
— ❤️ (@PhyIis) November 10, 2018