A devastating series of wildfires has erupted in the Los Angeles area, engulfing Southern California in a thick haze of smoke and ash. Three major fires broke out on Tuesday, driven by high winds, claiming at least five lives and destroying over 1,000 structures. Tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate, including celebrities like Mark Hamill and Mandy Moore.
In Altadena, smoke was so dense that residents needed flashlights to see down the street, while downtown Los Angeles was shrouded in darkness. The health risks are alarming, as wildfire smoke raises dangerous particulate matter levels, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung issues.
Dr. Puneet Gupta from the LA County Fire Department warned of severe health consequences, including heart attacks and asthma exacerbations, as emergency rooms face an influx of patients during flu season. He cautioned that if hospitals need to evacuate due to the fires, it could lead to a healthcare crisis.
As the fires rage on, the focus remains on protecting lives and health in the face of this natural disaster.
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