Pinoys in LA told: Follow fire safety protocols
The consulate advised the Filipinos to follow evacuation orders and stay informed about fire updates through official channels.
A firefighting helicopter drops water on a mountainside as the Franklin Fire burns in Malibu, California, on 11 December. The fire which has sent thousands of people fleeing for safety, including Hollywood celebrities, forged west as firefighters battled to save homes from the blaze. Around 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) have been charred by the fire in the hills above Pepperdine University.
DAVID SWANSON/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California reminded Filipinos and Filipino-Americans living in Malibu, Franklin, and parts of Los Angeles County to stay safe as a wildfire continued to spread.
The fire, which broke out on 9 December, has burned more than 12,000 hectares and forced nearly 13,000 residents to evacuate. Among those displaced were entertainment personalities like Cher, Barbra Streisand, Julia Roberts, Dick Van Dyke and Lady Gaga.
The consulate advised the Filipinos to follow evacuation orders and stay informed about fire updates through official channels.
“Evacuation orders and warnings are in place, and the situation remains dangerous. Residents should stay out of the area and follow local authorities’ instructions,” the advisory said.
Antonette Villa, a consulate official, said they were monitoring the wildfire’s impact on the Filipino community and coordinating with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
Over 1,500 firefighters are battling the flames, but containment efforts are still ongoing. The consulate urged community members to take precautions and contact them for assistance if needed.