The devastating wildfires burning across California have resulted in at least six deaths and unprecedented damage to the state’s property and land. Among such of the worst, the Palisades fire has displaced nearly 200,000 residents in Los Angeles. Dry conditions and strong winds are continuing to fuel the flames with no such signs of slowing down. Emergency response teams are working continuously day and night to contain fires and minimise damages, but the sheer scale of devastation is just jaw-dropping.
Unusual Firefighting Method Raises Eyebrows
Amid the heavy firefighting efforts, an unusual video has surfaced that has captured everyone’s attention. The clip, which spread like wildfire, shows Los Angeles Fire Department officials fighting the flames with what seems to be small handbags. This bizarre scene has left many on social media bewildered, wondering if the LAFD is doing the right thing considering the scale of the wildfires engulfing the city.
In the video, a team of firefighters is observed filling small canvas bags with water from their vehicles and running to quench the fire in a residential neighbourhood. There are lined fire engines next to this place, while another team of firefighters uses a fire hose to put out the fire in that particular area. The video got much attention, and viewers who watched it have criticized the scene as they lack proper equipment; others defend their action.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
The visual of the fire department using handbags to carry water is unreal. This is the best we can do? California burning like the 7th layer of hell and we’re slinging 10 ounce purse buckets?
pic.twitter.com/2TXuJYa2Id— Megs (@Rad_Megss) January 9, 2025
LAFD Clarifies the Use of ‘Handbags’
In reaction to the burgeoning online debate, the LAFD spoke to TMZ to clear the air. The department stated that “handbags” are actually specialised canvas bags firefighters will use during specific circumstances, part of the department’s toolkit when dealing with less significant fires, such as trash fires, which may not necessarily require a full, length fire hose.
Officials with the LAFD explain that the bags provide a quicker method for carrying water to extinguish small flames in emergencies. Given how fast wildfires spread, there’s often not a lot of time to respond to them; in such scenarios, filling the bags with water makes more sense than setting up hoses, which might take some crucial minutes.
Firefighting Continues as Wildfires Ravage Southern California
It has been nearly a week since the raging wildfires began sweeping through parts of Southern California, destroying everything on their paths from Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Sunset, Hurst, Lidia, to even Hollywood Hills. By now, hundreds of thousands of acres have been torched by raging fires, and many more areas are currently at risk as the battle against the flames rages on. The wildfires are a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters, making it crucial for emergency response teams to adapt quickly to the evolving challenges.
Despite the online scrutiny over their unconventional firefighting methods, the LAFD remains committed to tackling the wildfires with all available resources. The department’s quick thinking and adaptability in the face of this catastrophe are vital as the battle against these raging fires continues.
