BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Anaheim Hills area faced a major threat on Oct 9 after a wind-driven brush fire raced through the region, igniting several homes and charring almost 7500 acres. Labelled as Canyon Fire 2, it was reported on Oct 9 around 9:40 am and prompted mandatory evacuations for homes while also triggering...
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Anaheim Hills area faced a major threat on Oct 9 after a wind-driven brush fire raced through the region, igniting several homes and charring almost 7500 acres. Labelled as Canyon Fire 2, it was reported on Oct 9 around 9:40 am and prompted mandatory evacuations for homes while also triggering...
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freeway closures in the area. The blaze which has been difficult to contain so far has impacted between 3,500 to
5,000 residents including many Indian-Americans, who gave details of the horrifying experience and evacuation process to India Journal.Talking about the terrifying situation, Dr Birinder Sahai, a resident who lives in the impacted region, told IJ, “On October 9, I reached home around noon. By that time my family was already evacuated. However, I returned to collect some of my valuables like cash, jewelry, important papers and medications.”
Another resident Sadu Gaoker and his two children were promptly evacuated by the firefighters and brought to the Anaheim gymnasium where they constantly watched the situation live on TV. Speaking about the harrowing experience, Gaoker mentioned, “The situation has been difficult but there is no option besides waiting. Hopefully the wind will die down and we will be able to go home soon.” Ambarish Patel, who was also evacuated and moved to his brother’s place, described the situation saying, “The fire started from our street. I was at work when my wife Jharna called me informing me about the fire. Soon after we were evacuated by cops. Then we went to my brother’s place. I went home at night to collect some valuables but have returned now.”
He also pointed, “ Three homes near my house were completely burnt, the roofs of another two homes were charred. All residents were evacuated safely, though.” Rekha Acharya contemplated, “We have lived in the area for years and know how fierce the winds can get. The situation was scary as I received around 100 texts from people asking for help. Many of my friends also took shelter at homes of their friends and relatives.” Her friend Meenu Kumari explained, “The Indian-American community has come out strong at this time of need. Most of the families I know have been aided by friends. I am staying at my daughter’s place in LA, but there is another doctor friend of mine Manni Singh who is offering help and food to nearly 20 people at her place.”
Similarly, Chandra Gupta, assisted a lot of Indian-American evacuees at her home in Villa Park.
Dr Srinivasa Iyer, whose daughter was part of the evacuation, gave insight into the construction/building errors and burminate roofing complexities that increases the chances of catching fire in such scenarios. “Most of the houses in Anaheim Hills have been constructed after 2010, thus have modern concrete roofing and other fire-proof interiors, yet there are some that follow age-old standards. This needs to be checked thoroughly.”
Iyer praised the firefighters for their strategic rescue process and brave efforts.
Meanwhile, Harry Sidhu, who is running for Anaheim Mayor in 2018, said, He was safe and had opened the doors of his house for all those in need. Some Indian organizations like Orange County (OC) India Association, and ‘Irvine Indians’ through their Facebook posts requested needy people to get in touch. Their post read: “For all the evacuees from the fire affected area, if you need a place to stay, we have a list of Indian families from Orange County and Irvine unaffected areas who are there to help and host families in need at their home. Please contact us and we will put you in touch with the families. With lots of prayers.”
Nearby religious institutions like the Sikh Center of Orange County, Santa Ana also came forward to offer help and told IJ, “We are ready to provide shelter to all those in need.” Officials at a press conference on Oct 10 confirmed that evacuation orders will remain in effect at least through Oct. 10, and possibly through Oct 11 as firefighters work to contain a blaze that has burned thousands of acres and destroyed about 24 structures in Anaheim, Orange and Tustin.
5,000 residents including many Indian-Americans, who gave details of the horrifying experience and evacuation process to India Journal.Talking about the terrifying situation, Dr Birinder Sahai, a resident who lives in the impacted region, told IJ, “On October 9, I reached home around noon. By that time my family was already evacuated. However, I returned to collect some of my valuables like cash, jewelry, important papers and medications.”
Another resident Sadu Gaoker and his two children were promptly evacuated by the firefighters and brought to the Anaheim gymnasium where they constantly watched the situation live on TV. Speaking about the harrowing experience, Gaoker mentioned, “The situation has been difficult but there is no option besides waiting. Hopefully the wind will die down and we will be able to go home soon.” Ambarish Patel, who was also evacuated and moved to his brother’s place, described the situation saying, “The fire started from our street. I was at work when my wife Jharna called me informing me about the fire. Soon after we were evacuated by cops. Then we went to my brother’s place. I went home at night to collect some valuables but have returned now.”
He also pointed, “ Three homes near my house were completely burnt, the roofs of another two homes were charred. All residents were evacuated safely, though.” Rekha Acharya contemplated, “We have lived in the area for years and know how fierce the winds can get. The situation was scary as I received around 100 texts from people asking for help. Many of my friends also took shelter at homes of their friends and relatives.” Her friend Meenu Kumari explained, “The Indian-American community has come out strong at this time of need. Most of the families I know have been aided by friends. I am staying at my daughter’s place in LA, but there is another doctor friend of mine Manni Singh who is offering help and food to nearly 20 people at her place.”
Similarly, Chandra Gupta, assisted a lot of Indian-American evacuees at her home in Villa Park.
Dr Srinivasa Iyer, whose daughter was part of the evacuation, gave insight into the construction/building errors and burminate roofing complexities that increases the chances of catching fire in such scenarios. “Most of the houses in Anaheim Hills have been constructed after 2010, thus have modern concrete roofing and other fire-proof interiors, yet there are some that follow age-old standards. This needs to be checked thoroughly.”
Iyer praised the firefighters for their strategic rescue process and brave efforts.
Meanwhile, Harry Sidhu, who is running for Anaheim Mayor in 2018, said, He was safe and had opened the doors of his house for all those in need. Some Indian organizations like Orange County (OC) India Association, and ‘Irvine Indians’ through their Facebook posts requested needy people to get in touch. Their post read: “For all the evacuees from the fire affected area, if you need a place to stay, we have a list of Indian families from Orange County and Irvine unaffected areas who are there to help and host families in need at their home. Please contact us and we will put you in touch with the families. With lots of prayers.”
Nearby religious institutions like the Sikh Center of Orange County, Santa Ana also came forward to offer help and told IJ, “We are ready to provide shelter to all those in need.” Officials at a press conference on Oct 10 confirmed that evacuation orders will remain in effect at least through Oct. 10, and possibly through Oct 11 as firefighters work to contain a blaze that has burned thousands of acres and destroyed about 24 structures in Anaheim, Orange and Tustin.
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