Wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles and firefighters continue to battle scrub fire east of Whangārei. Video / NZ Herald
Maps overlaying wildfires in Los Angeles on maps of Christchurch and Auckland highlight the extent of the destruction, while New Zealand authorities warn the blazes show “you don’t have to live rurally to be affected.”
Two massive wildfires that have engulfed whole neighbourhoods and displaced thousands in Los Angeles are still uncontained, authorities said this morning.
Five people have died so far and the death toll is like to rise, as around 16 million people are under fire warnings with strong winds expected to last until at least early next week.
Geographic expert and emergency management lead Ed Cook created a map of the Palisades fire overlayed on Christchurch.
“As a New Zealander, how do we comprehend how big the current wildfires in California are?” Cook said.
The Palisades fire in Los Angeles overlayed over a map of Christchurch. Photo / Ed Cook
Cook said the size of the fire “is huge by any standard.”
He noted New Zealand’s largest recorded fire was Lake Ōhau in 2022, at just over 50km2.
“This map also doesn’t even begin to capture the ferocity of the fire, and the loss of lives, property and vegetation this event has caused,” Cook said.
Fire and Emergency NZ said the fires show that you don’t have to live rurally to be affected by wildfire, in a post on social media.
“Our thoughts are with the firefighters and communities of Los Angeles as they face the devastation of multiple wildfires that continue to burn across the county.
Smoke from the Los Angeles wildfire fills the sky, as seen from the coast. Photo / Isabella Rolston
“As tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate, it’s a crucial reminder for all of us to reflect on our own wildfire escape plans.
“Think about where you live. Are you surrounded by green space? Do you live near a large forest? As we have seen in California, you don’t have to live rurally to be affected by wildfire.
Fire and Emergency NZ also had a heartfelt message for those battling the blaze.
“To the firefighters and communities of Los Angeles, kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.”
Fire and Emergency preparation tips:
• Have a grab bag of essential items.
• Your grab bags and escape plans should be tailored to your whānau. You may have babies, people with disabilities or medical needs that require extra assistance.
Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.
