Filipinos along path of California wildfires urged to evacuate
A man watches flames consume a residence as a wildfire rages in Ventura, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Ferocious winds in Southern California have whipped up explosive wildfires, burning a psychiatric hospital and scores of other structures. AP/Noah Berger
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos living along the path of wind-driven fires in California are advised to take necessary precautions and evacuate their homes if necessary, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
For the second time in two months, a wildfire broke out in Southern California's Ventura County and grew wildly to nearly 207 square kilometers.
According to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, the raging fires in Ventura County, on the edge of Los Angeles and in inland San Bernardino County could affect as many as 115,000 members of the Filipino Community.
“Kababayans affected by the fires should not hesitate to get in touch with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles if they need assistance," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.
READ: California suburbs again under siege from wind-driven fires
Cayetano urged Filipinos in the affected areas to closely monitor developments and listen to instructions from local authorities.
An estimated 25,800 members of the Filipino community are in Ventura County where Thomas Fire, the biggest of the three wildfires, is located while there 89,400 are in San Fernando Valley.
More than 27,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas in Ventura County, which is now under a state of emergency, according to Consul General Adel Angelito Cruz.
The Consulate General is continuing to monitor the so-called Creek Fire and Rye Fire in Los Angeles County which remain out of control. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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Filipinos who may be affected by the fires may contact the Philippine Consulate General at +1.213.268.9990 or +1.213.587.0758 for assistance.
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