It’s a frightening battle for firefighters and a traumatic experience for those fleeing the area. Flames have invaded the Los Angeles area for several days.
Some Saskatchewan residents witnessed the fire firsthand, including Brit MacDonald and Dale Murdoch.
When the two arrived in California on Sunday, they could never have imagined how their vacation might turn out.
“We were here a few days before the fire and we looked at each other like it was heaven. What an incredible place to live and what an incredible place to explore,” Macdonald said.
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They spent a few days camping in the Santa Monica Mountains before heading to an Airbnb in Topanga Canyon.
They had plans in Los Angeles, like the Calgary Flames’ game against the Kings, until major wildfires broke out in the area on Tuesday.
“It’s very weird in these situations and seeing how quickly things can change,” MacDonald said.
“It was a beautiful day and we headed to the beach to have breakfast. Within an hour we came out, Los Angeles was on fire and everything changed. »
As they drove the winding roads back to their Airbnb, they could see heavy smoke and fires.
“Even when we arrived at our Airbnb in the canyon, we could see the smoke above the ridge. In fact, everyone was pretty relaxed. At that point, our Airbnb host told us, “Don’t worry, these things happen. »
But concern quickly set in as parts of the city were evacuated and fires continued to multiply.
The two men packed their belongings and left, only to receive a mandatory evacuation order a few hours later.
Murdoch said the damage caused by the fire was incredible to see.
“The people affected here…I don’t even know where to start,” he said.
Fires have burned more than 10,000 homes and other structures since Tuesday, when the first flames began to erupt north of downtown Los Angeles.
The Saskatoon partners have traveled to Palm Springs and say they are safe.
“The people here have been absolutely lovely,” Murdoch said. “They really came together to try to accommodate everyone and keep everyone safe.”
Both men say they are still trying to figure out next steps as they return home to Saskatoon.
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