Two new fires have broken out in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Bulgarian Consulate General in Los Angeles reported on its Facebook page, BTA reported.
The “Hughes” fire has covered over 10 thousand acres of land and is currently 14% contained by firefighting teams. Evacuation orders have been issued for five areas, roads are closed, shelters have been opened.
The “Sepulveda” fire has covered 45 acres of land and is currently 60% contained by firefighting teams.
The consulate recommends that Bulgarians located near any of the affected areas stay indoors and do not open windows unnecessarily, limit going outside and not travel without reason, use face masks when going outside, inform themselves about the current situation through the media and strictly follow the instructions of local authorities.
The team of the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Los Angeles is on standby 24/7 to provide assistance to Bulgarian citizens in need of help or in distress. Information about injured Bulgarians, as well as signals for the need for help, can be submitted to the address: [email protected] or to the 24-hour emergency hotline: +1 (310) 437-3606, our Consulate General also indicated.
Stormy winds and scorching drought are testing firefighters battling new fires in the southern part of the US state of California today, Reuters reported. A new fire has been growing over the past 24 hours, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate the area north of Los Angeles.
The "Sepulveda" fire is burning along the 405 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley, near the "Getty Villa" museum - home to many art treasures, Reuters points out.
There are also the exhibits in the exhibition of Thracian treasures "Ancient Thrace and the Ancient World: Treasures from Bulgaria, Romania and Greece".
Meanwhile, the state of California has increased funding for the reconstruction of the Los Angeles area as part of an aid package of more than $ 2.5 billion. The corresponding amount was approved today by the state legislature, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The body approved the bills with an overwhelming majority and bipartisan support, which are now headed for signature by Governor Gavin Newsom. The proposals include $2.5 billion for the state's emergency disaster response efforts, such as evacuations, sheltering survivors and removing hazardous waste.
“We need to be able to act with urgency, put aside our differences and focus on providing the financial resources, providing the necessary resources on the ground to clean up neighborhoods and rebuild communities,“ said Mike McGuire, a Democrat and president pro tempore of the state Senate.
The governor also announced a commitment by 270 state banks, credit unions and lenders to provide mortgage relief for homeowners affected by the fires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The Newsom administration said the state also expects to receive funds from the federal government.