Wildfires Tear Through Los Angeles: Staying Safe

A brutal wildfire is creating chaos in Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire is burning through Pacific Palisades and other neighborhoods like Sylmar and Eaton Canyon. If you find yourself in the path of a wildfire, here's how to stay safe. If you're in a car and a fire starts to surround you, don't jump out. A car can actually protect you from the flames. If you can't drive away, park the car and stay inside. It's not a guarantee, but it's better than being outside. That's what Jon Heggie, a division chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, advises.

If you can see clearly, try to drive out of the fire area. But if you must abandon your car, park it off the road so emergency vehicles can get through. Remember to close all windows and vents, cover yourself with a blanket, and lie on the floor if possible. If you’re inside a building, stay there. The structure might catch fire, but it's safer than being outside. Close all windows and doors, place wet towels under openings, and have fire extinguishers ready. Fill any containers with water to douse embers. If you're stuck outside, call 911 and provide your exact location. Rescuers might be able to send a helicopter or have firefighters try to put out the fire around you. Try to move downhill but avoid gullies and ravines—fire can spread quickly uphill.

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