The Press in California | Destruction, disarray and mutual aid

(Altadena) “I’m staying here until it’s completely over,” says Randy Crawford outside his two-story home in Altadena, an area affected by one of the major fires in the Los Angeles area.

The 55-year-old man refused to evacuate the scene when the order was given. Like some neighbors, he watered his home himself to prevent it from burning. With water from his house, from the municipal hydrant, from his swimming pool.

“When we have fires of this magnitude, the fire department is so stretched thin…” explains the retired construction worker. His wife, Kim Hallinger, took shelter with her elderly mother at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Mr. Crawford was keen to protect his home. But he thought he would pass. “I’ve never been so scared in my life — and I’m an adrenaline junkie, though,” he says. But I’ve never seen anything like this. »

Race against time

The death toll from the fires rose to at least 11 deaths on Friday. The flames are still not completely under control. The burning smell persists beyond the affected areas. Large plumes of smoke rise over the Santa Monica Mountains. Emergency vehicle sirens blare throughout the city.

Nearly 5,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, according to the California governor general’s office.

A new race against time has begun: after a lull expected during the weekend, violent winds could once again make the fires unpredictable and difficult to contain at the start of next week.

Quebec planes

Every year since 1994, two Canadair CL-415 planes, piloted by a Quebec team, have been stationed in California to lend a helping hand, for at least 90 days, starting in the fall.

Standing on the tarmac at Van Nuys Airport, in front of one of the two yellow and red air tankers – temporarily stopped for a minor repair – he lists the difficulties caused by recent conditions for pilots: turbulence that attracts the plane down.

Visibility at times made completely zero by the smoke. The challenge of properly assessing where to release water from the reservoirs.

“It’s demanding,” summarizes the man who has been going to California for 14 years as part of the government contract.

One of the planes also had to deal with an additional challenge: an unauthorized drone hit it on Thursday, puncturing its wing. The Quebec government announced the sending of two new planes.

Return to the scene

The fires are still not 100% contained, but citizens have chosen to return to the evacuated sites to see the damage, despite the security cordons and the police presence.

Three days after fleeing her home in Altadena with her two cats and a small piece of luggage, she returned home for the first time.

The house was completely destroyed by the fire.

Her gloved hands, a mask on her face, she digs up pieces of objects under the ashes and charred debris. A deformed samovar, a family legacy from an exodus from Russia almost 200 years ago. A cup. A decoration.

With his partner Sylvia Sukop, they evoke memories linked to the deformed masses that were once everyday things.

For now, they are staying with friends.

“I hope to find an apartment,” says M^me Kaplan.

Refuge

Services were quickly organized to accommodate victims evacuated with no place to go. At the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, people line up outside to ask for assistance: food aid, clothing, shelter.

When his apartment burned down, he moved in with his wife and their two teenagers at his sister’s house. But he is now unable to work and provide for the family’s needs: the gardener lost his tools, uninsured, in the flames.

“It’s never happened to me in my life that I had to ask for help,” he explains. I work hard. But now, I have nothing left and I can’t do anything. »

In the entrance to the building, City employees and volunteers welcome the victims. Further on, beds have been installed.

Citizens also go there to offer their help or to leave equipment.

“We tell people that the best is monetary donations, because sorting and taking care of the material is not ideal,” explains Denise Everhart, director of the disaster division of the American Red Cross, met in front of the auditorium.

The organization assists local authorities in events of this type. In particular by distributing hygiene kits to disaster victims.

Soup and plunder

Teresa Fernando and her uncle decided to cook three barrels of soup, setting up in front of the shelter with containers and a ladle.

“Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul: Free, Just Love,” the nurse wrote on one poster.

Fires “really bring out the best and worst in human beings,” sighs Mr. Crawford. He said he surprised thieves at an evacuated neighbor’s house and chased them away. “We all know each other here, we help each other,” he adds.

Authorities announced the arrest of several people for looting. A curfew has been put in place, particularly in Altadena, to combat theft.