By Miggy Aguilar and Melisa Rodriguez
Photo By Maya Uribe
As of Jan. 21, the fires impacting Los Angeles have taken an unprecedented toll on public safety, life and property, the likes of which Southern California has never experienced. In an email addressing CI’s campus community on Jan. 10, President Richard Yao brought attention to the destruction caused by the fires and urged students, faculty and staff to utilize the University’s resources such as Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Disaster Relief Funds, Employee Assistance, and CARE reporting in order to assess the impact of the fires on the livelihood of community members and ensure that community members do not go without assistance as lives and property are placed at risk.
At present, the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CALFIRE) has reported that the Palisades and Eaton fires have burned 23,448 and 14,021 acres of land respectively. As a result of the brave efforts of first responders across Southern California, the Palisades fire is currently estimated to be 77% contained while the Eaton fire is estimated to be 95% contained. 15,798 structures have been destroyed thus far along with 28 fatalities, warranting a state of emergency issued by the Government of California as of Jan. 7 with upwards of 16,000 personnel, 2,500 National Guard service members, firefighting equipment, and assistance from both the state and federal government in order to mitigate this disaster. Members of CI’s campus community, especially those living near the affected areas, are encouraged to remain alert of evacuation orders and other important, life-saving information as the situation progresses.
With power outages due to strong Santa Ana winds periodically affecting sections of Ventura County while contributing to the spread of the fires even within the county as was the case with the recent Oxnard Auto Fire, VC Emergency remains a timely source for staying informed about local emergencies. Students, staff, faculty and members of the community still affected by these fires and their corresponding evacuation orders should remain informed by signing up for local alerts through platforms like the Watch Duty app and Ventura County’s VC Alert system. These tools provide up-to-date information about evacuation orders, shelter locations, and road closures.
On Jan. 22, the Hughes Fire broke out near Lake Hughes Road, close to the 5 Freeway and Castaic Lake, according to Cal Fire. The fire rapidly grew from 50 acres to over 500 acres within an hour. Ventura County and the campus experienced smoke from the fire, which is located about 50 miles from campus. The Ventura County Office of Emergency Services has confirmed that there are no active fires in Ventura County, and the campus is not currently at risk. University personnel closely monitored air quality, and as a precaution, HVAC vents in campus buildings were closed.
The wildfires have not only caused physical destruction but have also taken a significant emotional toll on the affected communities. CI’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers confidential support for students struggling with stress, anxiety or trauma caused by the fires. In response to the devastation, local organizations and charities have launched fundraising efforts to provide relief for those affected. The American Red Cross, California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund and other local nonprofits are accepting donations to support displaced families and aid in rebuilding efforts.
CI’s Dolphin Pantry is offering food and hygiene supplies to students in need, ensuring that the campus community has access to basic necessities during this challenging time. The University also encourages students and staff to support relief initiatives through volunteer work or donations if they are able.
As the fires continue to impact Southern California, it is a reminder of the importance of community resilience and preparedness. Together, through collective efforts and compassion, the CI community and its surrounding areas can begin to recover and rebuild from this disaster. Stay safe, stay informed and support one another during this difficult time and as further updates occur.
On Jan. 24. The Laguna Fire broke out within the vicinity of CI’s campus towards Potrero, Laguna and Lewis roads prompting a campus-wide evacuation order that saw local first responders quick to address the incident. As staff, students and employees alike evacuated to safety, the fire spread upwards of 50 acres before being contained later that afternoon. According to first responders working with Oxnard Fire, as many as two helicopters and various other fire fighting equipment was utilized in order to put out the flames and protect the campus’s structures. CI’s most recent brush with fire-related incidents serves as a reminder for our campus to remain vigilant and prepared as Santa Ana winds continue to increase the risk of such events.
The wildfires throughout southern California have impacted many communities and serve as a reminder of remaining vigilant and prioritizing safety in the face of these natural threats. Staying informed about fire conditions, adhering to safety protocols and being prepared for evacuation can make all the difference. In times like these, we are reminded of the importance of community resilience and the need for heightened awareness to help mitigate the impact of future fires. Stay safe, stay prepared and continue supporting one another through these challenging times.
