Wildfires in Los Angeles County continue to wreak havoc, and the Mexican government has announced measures to assist Mexican citizens affected by this disaster.

Ricardo Amador/NORO

On Tuesday, January 7, a large wildfire began in the Pacific Palisades area, west of Los Angeles. The fire has spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds sweeping across southern California.

The flames have already affected more than 1,100 hectares and continue to threaten thousands of homes. The situation is severe, and around 30,000 people have been evacuated from the area due to the intensity of the winds and the unstoppable advance of the fire.

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), through the Mexican Consulate General in Los Angeles, has set up a phone line to provide assistance to Mexicans in the affected area.

The line will be available 24/7 to offer guidance or emergency support. The contact number is (213) 219-0175, aimed at facilitating communication and assisting Mexican citizens during this crisis.

Preventive measures and safety recommendations

The Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles has emphasized the importance of following local authorities’ recommendations to ensure safety. A warning has been issued for strong winds and a high risk of fire spread in areas of the county, including Pacific Coast Highway, Calabasas, and Topanga.

Local authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow evacuation instructions if necessary.

Additionally, wind gusts are expected to continue in the coming hours, which could worsen the situation. Firefighters are still battling the flames, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, allowing for the mobilization of additional resources to contain the fire and support the victims.

Impact on basic services and State Government measures

The fire has severely impacted basic services in southern California, particularly electricity. So far, more than 15,000 people have lost power, and an estimated 420,000 customers could be affected in the coming hours.

San Diego Gas & Electric has announced that it may cut service to another 65,000 people due to the proximity of the fire.

The state government has issued a series of recommendations for southern California residents, such as staying updated through the official social media accounts of local authorities, establishing family meeting points in case of evacuation, and preparing an emergency bag with essential items like important documents, medications, and mobile phones.

Ongoing support for the Mexican Community in Los Angeles

The Mexican government, through the SRE and the Mexican Consulate General in Los Angeles, has assured it will continue providing support to Mexicans affected by the fires.

In addition to the emergency number, they are in contact with local authorities and rescue teams to coordinate efforts and assist victims, including those who have had to evacuate their homes or are in high-risk areas.

The Consulate has stressed that it is essential for all Mexican citizens to follow the safety recommendations issued by authorities and to stay in touch with emergency services.

Weather conditions in the coming hours will be crucial, as winds are expected to peak between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on January 8, which could further fuel the fire and increase risks to the population.

As events unfold, all Mexicans in the area are advised to stay alert and take precautions to protect themselves and minimize risks. The Mexican government is committed to offering ongoing support and assistance to all those affected by this tragedy.

What to do in case of wildfire?

In case of a wildfire, it’s essential to act quickly and follow safety measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some steps you should take:

1. Stay Informed: Monitor news and alerts from local authorities.
2.  Evacuate If Ordered: Leave immediately if told to evacuate. Follow safe routes and take an emergency kit (medications, documents, clothes).
3.  Protect Your Home (If You Can’t Evacuate): Close windows, doors, and turn off utilities. Move flammable items inside and wet down the exterior of your home.
4. If Caught in Smoke: Stay indoors with windows closed. Wear an N95 mask if you must go outside.
5.  If Trapped: Find shelter in a cleared area. Stay low to avoid smoke and call for help if possible.
6.  After the Fire: Wait for the all-clear before returning home. Stay away from downed power lines and check for hazards.
7.  Prevent Wildfire Risks: Create defensible space around your home by clearing dry leaves and brush.

Sources: N+, El Universal, El Sol de México