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Two Fire fighters killed as Thousands told to flee path of fires

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | August 31, 2009 at 04:11 am

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Thousands of Californians have been told to flee the path of intense wildfires that are threatening the Los Angeles area. 12,000 homes are threatened.

Fire Captain Tedmund Hall, 47, and firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, 35, were killed in a crash. According to CBC Newsworld, this morning, the two firefighters slid off the side of a mountainous road and crashed to their demise.

The State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was questioned about funding for these fires. He stated that funding was no problem and no shortcuts would be taken to fight these fires. The funding for fires comes from a separate budget.

Arnold Schwarzenegger also urged those in the path of the fire to move out of the path of fires. Because of the dry conditons the fires were spreading in every direction.

As of this morning, twelve evacuation centres were set up at schools and community centres in the area.

At least 18 homes have been destroyed by the fire around Angeles National Forest, officials said, adding that the number is expected to rise. To this point firefighters have been able to to keep the fires from other homes.

Fire crews from across the U.S. and Canada will be arrving to assist with the fires. A Canadian Water scooper is scheduled to arrive today.

The fireline was extended about 10km around Acton, CA overnight. The weather is expected to improve by tomorrow. A Canadian Super Scooper is expected to arrive today, which will significantly help fight these fires.

The fire, which started on Wednesday, has doubled in size and is expected to double again. As of Sunday evening it could only be described out of control.

Canada's Globe and Mail has an extensive report on these fires.

Thousands of Californians have been told to flee the path of intense wildfires threatening 12,000 homes in the Los Angeles area after two firefighters were killed trying to tackle the blazes.

The state governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, urged those in the fire's way to get out as ash rained down on cars in downtown Los Angeles. The fires were spreading in all directions in the dry conditions.

Firefighters fixed their attention yesterday on the blaze's fast-moving eastern side where flames lapped at the foot of the vital communications and astronomy centre of Mount Wilson, and on the north-western front, where the two firefighters were killed on Mount Gleason, near the city of Acton.

"We ask for your understanding, for your patience as we move through this difficult time, and please, prayers for the families of our two brothers that we lost," county deputy fire chief Mike Bryant said through tears at a news conference.