100,000 Filipinos in path of California wildfires — DFA

Firefighters hose down flareups at the two story Hawaiian Village Apartment complex that burnt to the ground during the Thomas wildfire in Ventura, California, on December 5, 2017. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said more than 100,000 Filipinos were along the path of three wildfires in southern California. AFP

The Department of Foreign Affairs has warned the more than 100,000 Filipinos along the path of three fast-moving wildfires in southern California to “take the necessary precautions and evacuate their homes if ordered to by local authorities.”

In a statement released Wednesday, the DFA said it was closely monitoring the raging fires in Ventura County and another two in Los Angeles County, which, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, could affect as many as 115,000 members of the Filipino community.

“We join our kababayans in the Philippines and in the United States in praying for the members of the Filipino Community and their neighbors in Ventura and Los Angeles counties that they will be spared from the raging infernos that are threatening their lives and their homes,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

While expressing concern over the outbreak, Cayetano urged Filipinos in the affected areas to closely monitor developments, listen to instructions from authorities, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

“Kababayans affected by the fires should not hesitate to get in touch with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles if they need assistance,” Cayetano said.

“Filipinos affected by the fires can contact the Philippine Consulate General at +1.213.268.9990 or +1.213.587.0758 for assistance,” Consul General  Adel Angelito Cruz said.

Cruz said there were around 25,800 and 89,400 Filipinos in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley, respectively.

She added that they were monitoring the Creek Fire and the Rye Fire in Los Angeles County for wildfires, which have already consumed more than 11,500 acres and have remained out of control. /cbb