In the skies over Los Angeles, a dramatic dance unfolds as air tankers and helicopters weave through towering columns of wildfire smoke, delivering essential flame retardant and life-sustaining water to the blazes below.
From the vantage point of a helicopter, AFP reporters spotted multiple wildfires—smoke billowing upward from the rugged mountainsides, akin to active volcanoes awakening from slumber, casting shadows across the skyline.
In a matter of moments, the once-quiet airspace above the newly ignited Kenneth Fire transformed into a flurry of activity. Firefighting teams swiftly redirected their extensive aerial resources to confront this latest threat.
Six helicopters buzzed at low altitudes, dumping streams of water onto the fringe of the roaring flames.
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“I’ve never witnessed so many fires erupting simultaneously—it’s just madness up here,” exclaimed helicopter pilot Albert Azouz.
Since joining a private aviation company in 2016, Azouz has had his fair share of fire-fighting experiences, including the deadly Malibu infernos six years ago. “Those were wild,” he reminisced.
Yet, hovering over the chaos today, he can’t help but describe the scene as “crazy town”.
Just the day before, the Kenneth Fire erupted late in the afternoon near Calabasas, a wealthy Los Angeles suburb known for its celebrity inhabitants, including the Kardashian clan. The combination of high winds and dry conditions ignited the area into a frenzy.
In an effort to combat the flames, aerial support has arrived from across great distances, including Boeing Chinook helitankers equipped with massive 3,000-gallon tanks sourced from as far away as Canada. Due to powerful gusts reaching up to 160 km/h, the aircraft couldn’t take to the skies during the initial hours of the fires on Tuesday. However, once conditions improved, they proved to be indispensable in the fight against further destruction.
Helicopters made hundreds of water drops yesterday whilst conditions allowed, tirelessly battling the encroaching fires. Those machines equipped for night operations continued their relentless work amidst the haze, striving to control the flames before predicted strong winds return to the Los Angeles basin overnight.
Recent satellite imagery illustrates the extent of the devastation caused by these wildfires, capturing the fiery aftermath as the region grapples with the backdrop of climate change and its consequences.
As firefighting efforts continue, it’s a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by California against these relentless natural forces. Aeronautical assets, once idle, are now crucial in the persistent struggle to safeguard lives and property, underscoring the dedication of those working tirelessly to combat these blazes.
Ultimately, the heart of this situation lies not just in the flames but in the community’s resilience and determination to fight back, despite the odds against them. It’s a poignant illustration of humanity’s relentless spirit in the face of adversity.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
