The Incredible Positive Stories Showing LA Will Defeat The Fire (By Amélie,13)
By Amélie, 13, Jill Dando News Correspondent
The ongoing LA bushfire is leaving many citizens worried about the future of their state; the firefighters are working tirelessly to support their city.
However even in the toughest times there's a small light of hope!
Animals are being welcomed by shelters
The Los Angeles Equestrian Center has transformed their stables into a temporary animal sentry for all of those animals struggling in the fire. The centre, close to Griffith park, has taken in more than 200 horses in addition to its usual 500.
Celebrities affected by the blaze are stepping up to raise funds
Paris Hilton, the hotel heiress and reality show star, has raised the incredible amount of $800k after the loss of her Malibu home in just under 72 hours! According to the BBC, she is hoping to raise it to $100million and wishes locals their best.
Mayor Bass, Mayor of LA, has been supporting and uniting her local neighbourhoods.
Zach Seidl, her spokesman, said that the mayor is “laser focused on ongoing response and recovery efforts.”
The Los Angeles Times reported that “Ms. Bass, 71, has repeatedly acknowledged the city’s grief and anger, but urged residents to “lock arms” and “reject those who seek to divide us.”
California’s prisons have deployed more than 1,000 inmates to battle on the frontlines.
Incarcerated people from prisons are gaining new experience by offering their support and skills in fighting the fires, as part of the ARC’s programme. The hope is this will assist in the major wildfire disaster response and create a pathway to jobs for the prisoners.
Herrera, 47, graduated from the training center and got a firefighting job in San Luis Obispo, one of more than 270 people who have received job placements through the program.
Herrera told The Guardian: “My journey started with believing in myself and believing in growth and redemption,” he said. “My message to those inside is to find that hope, and know that there is a community outside that believes in second chances.”
Neighbours have been stepping up to save others in their community
When the wildfires spread to his street, retired firefighter Rich Snyder rescued a neighbour from his burning home. Synder has lived on Pasadena street for over 30 years.
BBC's Helena Humphrey reported that he was working on his laptop in the evening when he saw a huge fire through his window.
Helping to quickly evacuate his home and warn his neighbours, Mr Snyder, moved on to assist in fighting the burning fire with a hose from his garden! The local fire crew then assisted and together they managed to contain the flames.
