From ice to fire, Cork prays for LA

A Cork woman living in Los Angeles has described first hand the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires as their combined death tolls continue to rise.

As multiple fires rage on in Southern California, driven by the powerful Santa Ana winds, Ballinlough native Fiona Kitteringham said there is a sense of “shock and despair coinciding with hope and community” in Los Angeles.

“I used to live in Pacific Palisades when I first moved to LA, so devastated for so many friends who lost everything,” she told the Cork Independent.

“Im also heartbroken for the Altadena community having a coworker (of mine) lose their home.

“I am in Long Beach. We were affected by bad air quality, smoky air, and soot everywhere. The bad air quality dissipated on Sunday down this way," added Ms Kitteringham.

Already the most destructive in California county’s history, it is reported that three separate fires continue to burn in the region: the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire, and the Hurst fire. All three fires started on 7 January. A number of other fires in the region have been contained by emergency services.

According to local reports, the total death toll has reached 25, with over 12,300 properties having been totally destroyed and over 180,000 people displaced.

“On Saturday I was shopping in the local Target and saw so many people shopping for basic supplies such as toiletries, socks, underwear etc. to donate,” continued Ms Kitteringham.

“I also bought basics to donate. My local coffee shop and small businesses organised a drop off for donations and rented a truck to deliver. The sense of community is strong, we want to help our fellow Angelenos,” she added.

Emergency services continue to work to contain the three ongoing fires, however further strong winds are expected to hinder progress.

Ms Kitteringham said: “We are still not out of the woods, winds picked back up today but we are hopeful the first responders are on top of it.”

Meanwhile, Cork Eurovision sensation Bambie Thug spoke with PJ O’Callaghan on 'The 96FM Opinion Line' after being evacuated from where they had been staying in Hollywood.

“I was watching the news but had turned it on mute, but I unmuted it and it immediately said ‘Hollywood Hills, evacuate now!’,” said the Cork singer.

“There were like eight of us on the roof, and I was like, should we leave? And then immediately after I said that, we got an evacuation notice.

“Yeah, it was wild. I’ve never experienced a natural disaster.

“I’m safe and I’m well. I’m in downtown LA so it’s concrete so it’s not going to burn,” they added.

The artist, who placed 6th in last year’s Eurovision with their song ‘Doomsday Blue’ also pointed out that the many celebrities who have lost their homes in the fires have the money to rebuild them, while others affected are not so fortunate.

In a statement responding to the fires, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin offered his condolences to the families and friends of those who have been lost in the fires.

He said: “For over a week, together with all Irish people, I have watched with horror as devastating wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, causing destruction for thousands across southern California.

“My thoughts are with those who have been forced to evacuate and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

“Amongst those affected are a small number of Irish citizens and their families. The Consulate-General of Ireland in Los Angeles is providing consular assistance and advice on accessing local supports.

“The Consulate-General is engaging with the broader Irish community in the affected area on an ongoing basis, providing resources on shelter lists, health advisories, information on relief and other resources,” said the Tánaiste.

Mr Martin urged any Irish citizens in the area to register with the Consulate-General at ireland.ie/en/usa/losangeles/.

Mr Martin continued: “The Consulate-General is engaging with local Irish community organisations to assess the needs of those affected, with a view to providing assistance through the Department's Emigrant Support Programme.

“Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Los Angeles at this time,” he concluded.