Filipinos in Southern California warned of wildfires, offered aid

A Bank of America is fully engulfed in flames along Lake Ave. during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, California on January 8, 2025. – At least five people are now known to have died in wildfires raging around Los Angeles, with more deaths feared, law enforcement said January 8, as terrifying blazes leveled whole streets, torching cars and houses in minutes.
More than 1,000 buildings have burned in multiple wildfires that have erupted around America’s second biggest city, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has urged Filipinos affected by the Southern California wildfires to undertake necessary preparations and adhere to evacuation orders.

In an advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles listed Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and Ventura County as areas affected by the wildfires.

“The Consulate is coordinating with local authorities and closely monitoring the situation of Filipino nationals in the affected areas. Filipino nationals requiring the Consulate’s assistance may call (323) 528-1528,” said the consulate in an advisory.

READ: Whole streets burn as fires rage around Los Angeles

“As of mid-day of January 8, 2024, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has reported that the wildfires continue to be fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, with the Palisades Fire (near Malibu) and Eaton Fire (centered near Pasadena), expanding to more than 10,000 acres each,” it added.

Meanwhile,  Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told INQUIRER.net in a text message also on Thursday that no Filipino has so far approached the consulate for assistance concerning the wildfires.

READ: Extreme weather, suburban sprawl fuel LA’s wildfires