Los Angeles Fires

Some thoughts from LA…

[@darmfield]

I live near the site of the Yarnell Fire in Arizona that took the lives of 19 firefighters and have a brother who is a firefighter. Fire is not political. It kills and destroys indescriminately. Thank you for sharing your anguish over this. More people need to hear these words.

[@deborahmillette]

🙏🏽

[@russellstewart5414]

They want to blame cuts to the fire departments and the lack of water. There isn’t a force of men and equipment that could have saved 4000 structures in 50 mph winds. Not going to happen! If it takes 2 trucks and 10 people to fight one house fire , do the math and the logistics are insurmountable to prevent this disaster. It’s not a tv show where everyone gets rescued and lives happily ever after. Life’s are forever changed, but still some people seek to gain an opportunity to better their own position through political status and financial gain

[@DebbieHarmonson]

@@russellstewart5414well said!😊

[@phoenixmode6909]

My heart goes out to you and yours. I lived in Cali at the time. I remember that fire clearly. Being in a danger zone myself, I've always been Fire aware. The week I moved here to the Midwest, an alarming huge column of black smoke Aries down the road from me. My first reaction was to cal 911. Turned out, a gift was burning an old shed he no longer wanted, and it was full Of old tires. And that's okay here. The firemen chuckled a bit, and so did my new neighbor . I was embarrassed. But this is what I grew up knowing. 20 years down the road, now I'm listening to these same people-- who routinely mock me as an ex Californio-- as they talk smack about those caught up in this with nowhere to go. Just pisses me off to no end.

[@phoenixmode6909]

@@russellstewart5414. THIS. Thank you for being the voice of reason.

[@owainbennett663]

One thing I hate, is the "Blame Game". Nothings gets done sitting around blaming people.

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

Fundraising happens sorry but capitalism is getting in the way of democracy and empathy WWJD

[@ToddHurney]

Oh contraire...Dumpsterfire has used this very tool to dupe millions of people into voting for him again and we are now facing four horrific years of a man who doesn't read, nor cares about anyone but himself. People who call themselves Maga live for the blame game, because its reminiscent of their time in 3rd grade.

[@rhondastafford3164]

Thank You. Yes, we’re suffering from this gut wrenching Natural Disaster. I was spared evacuation last night but my daughter had to evacuate from Hollywood Hills. I’m just saddened by the devastation of our small peace of happiness. By the way, 7 fires back to back and 4 to 5 thousand structures burned isn’t normal. 😢

[@suek.1507]

No, it's not normal. Makes me wonder...

[@lamiagumbo]

Cruelty is the basis of MAGA. My thoughts are with you and every living thing in the path of these fires.

[@RedandBlackS10]

This right here.

[@JEdwarrd]

I really do wonder what childhood was like for those who identify as MAGA. The nastiness is a product of something darker in their past-formative yrs. It's not an excuse, but it's kinda obvious. Look at Fred Trump & extrapolate.

[@TodaysDante]

What do repubs have to do with this?????? This became uncontrollable because the state has been colossally mismanaged by the dems.

[@TodaysDante]

What do repubs have to do with this???? The dem management created the problems.

[@branjosnow6244]

Ditto.

[@Serai3]

I was watching the news, and they started talking about the state's forces coming to help, the military, FEMA. And I started crying, wondering what will happen next year or the year after that. How many people will die when that lunatic decides he's not going to help anyone who doesn't get on their knees and bribe him with everything they have? What will we do when our state burns down because of the hate and bitterness choking this nation?

[@jameschapman6559]

Trump wanted to hold back help in 2018

[@twelvestitches984]

So it's Trumps fault even though he's not even President?

[@OneAdam12Adam]

We must drag him out of the White House by force before he even has a chance. The Twenty Fifth Amendment if not the 14th. Leaders do your jobs!

[@jeffreyferguson83]

Are you really that Frickin Brainwashed? President Trump wanted the 🤡 Newsome to bring water from the North, to allow it to free flow! Newsome stopped that to save a fish? No water in the Fire Hydrants, No Fire management system in place, the Mayor cut the Fire Department budget by 17.5 million dollars, then they sent so called extra fire equipment to the Dictator in Ukraine! And you want to blame President Trump! Seriously you can’t be that stupid..

[@aanlyeis1649]

I share your fear. It is so disgusting to think that he won’t help. Inhuman.

[@Cori-se9ww]

I live in Northern California. These fires move so quickly with the wind. Please stay safe. These people in Congress should be supporting disaster victims. The President shouldn't be making such hateful comments. Four long years of this crap. These people are loosing everything.

[@CallieCatCuddles]

The president? President Biden? I haven't heard him say anything hateful!

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

He’s not the president, yet. Although based on the disaster of his first term, he won’t tone down the hateful rhetoric once his sparsely attended inauguration is over.

[@katemarr1984]

I think you meant President Biden, He who shall not be named has not been sworn in. I hope you remain safe Leigh, you are clearly well prepared.

[@sr.6816]

​@@CallieCatCuddles4 long years of this crap... That would be Trump, he is meant!

[@CallieCatCuddles]

@@sr.6816 Trump isn't the president, and he won't be until the 20th!

[@denisefoster6512]

Laughing at people in harms way is disgusting. What a testimony to the character of the MAGAts.

[@SHARKAST1C]

Magats tried to overthrow democracy, threatened civil war, and celebrate when Americans are harmed based on political leanings of the location of the disaster. It's so strange as a veteran who fought in the "war on terror" watching it unfold on American soil while they call themselves patriotic. Ugh. I feel so sick.

[@timradde4328]

Because they are disgusting. They really don't care.

[@jeffreyferguson83]

Who’s laughing?

[@amberfuchs398]

Maga are authoritarian abusers.

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

@@jeffreyferguson83 Fox News, trump, MAGA social media trolls like Matt Walsh and others. Laughing at others problems is really the only sense of humor they have.

[@PurpleSheRa]

@Leigh You're absolutely right. I'm m a Native Floridian & Hurricanes were horrific this past year. Our Earth is tired of being abused & ignored. Mother Nature wreaking havoc is only going to get worse with these worldwide climate deniers. Humanity & our Planet Must take Priority! My heart breaks for you Cali 💔💔💔

[@jameschapman6559]

👍💯 also there is now plastic in everything and everyone and the corporations and politicians don't care

[@sr.6816]

​@@jameschapman6559 All the plastic stuff causes cancer. That would be very beneficial for the pharmaceutical industry... You know it's all about the richest of the rich, even if it costs our lives! Its disgusting!!

[@anthony-7489]

Agreed !!! We built for a climate we no longer have !

[@kellahella5286]

As a life long Californian, you always need to have a GO BAG at the ready. Essential papers, maybe a momento or two, clothes and food and water to last a week. Hang in there. California 💪

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

Prescriptions. .

[@pecquet-dubalaix8288]

There's Radar showing Lasers starting California Fires.

[@oldmanghost219]

What i miss more than anything is a picture of when my daughter was 5 years old. I opened the front door to find that she had written in chalk on the sidewalk 'I love you Daddy" i miss the pictures and the VHS tape of a concert I was in. When the San Bernardino Valley College's FM station went stereo , the stage band did a simulcast with the TV station (That's the 70's for you) and I had it on tape. I was 2nd chair Tenor sax. Everything thing else is replaceable. But I lost it all.

[@BA-ng9bx]

❤

[@susanscott8653]

I am so sorry. Love and prayers from New Zealand.

[@hiitsmestan9197]

😢

[@Mindy0628]

It’s such an awful thing to be happening, only being made worse by maga idiots. Love to all in California 💜

[@ChristopherStahl-ry3ke]

MAGAdiots

[@ltdc426]

Msgs idiots? This is 110% democrat policy. “Vote blue, no matter who”. Own it

[@TodaysDante]

WHY??? What did repubs do? Try to hold the dem mismanagement accountable?

[@TodaysDante]

MAGA didn't cut the fire dept budget by 18 million. The dem LA mayor did that.

[@TodaysDante]

MAGA didn't make it so the damns were removed in order to help the salmon, or refused to save rain water in order to save the delta smelt. The dem CA Governor did that.

[@fionaanderson5796]

As an Australian who lives in a high bushfire zone, I have a few points to make. 1. LEAVE EARLY. This cannot be emphasised enough. If the fire is on your doorstep it's too late. You cannot out run it. It's doing maybe 60-80 miles an hour, and doesn't get slowed down by other traffic or not being able to see in the smoke haze. If you're thinking you might need to evacuate tomorrow, GO TODAY. A lot can change during the night and you may never know it. 2. If you're trapped, shelter in the house, near a door, on the side away from the fire. As soon as the fire front passes, get out onto burnt ground. Use brick or stone walls as shelter between you and the fire if possible. 3. Before the fire gets near fill every bath tub, sink, trough, basin with water. Unless the house is built to fire standards, has it's own water tanks, sprinkler system, etc, and you are trained in what to do, you should be gone long before this is useful, but if you are still there, that water can be used to wet towels and wool blankets to put out embers as they creep in through cracks in doors and windows, and under the roofing. Patrol for spot fires and embers flying ahead of the front. 4. The go bag. Pack one for each family member, including pets. Certificates - birth, marriage, passport, insurance policies for house, vehicles, life, health, etc. Medicines. Anything you take even semi-regularly, for you, kids, grandparents, pets, anyone who lives with you. Toothbrush, clean undies, a few changes of clothes, pyjamas. Baby supplies - diapers, wet wipes, formula, sippy cups/feeding bottles, favourite toy. Pet food, bowl, extra water, kitty litter, poop bags. Put pets in carriers or on leads early. You don't want to be chasing a panicking pet at the last minute. Hand sanitiser. Water bottles. If there's space put in a sleeping bag each and a tent. 5. Go somewhere well away from the fires, not the next street or suburb. If fire goes through your block, you won't be returning for a week. Don't be in the way, don't try to go back before it's completely safe and authorities have given the all clear. They will be checking the rubble for bodies. If possible go visit family or friends in another state or city. Stay hydrated, stay safe, get out of the danger zone.

[@rasbijalpatel310]

@@fionaanderson5796 the stress and the anxiety and to think on top of that. Very good list. Appreciate it thankyou.

[@Zelkathis]

I grew up in Greece and we had wildfires every summer, so we lived on the edge of our seats pretty much every summer, but I've never seen a fire this bad. Stay safe, Leigh.

[@fionaanderson5796]

I'm Australian, live in Victoria, the south east corner of Aus that catches fire every summer. We get hot, dry desert winds, steep hillsides fires race up, desiccated leaf litter and dried out foliage, houses in the outer suburbs built surrounded by forest. I have seen this in recent years, but it's far worse than when I was young.

[@wildwoodkare]

I am so sorry for all this stress.

[@juliekernstitt]

I’m so sorry for Californians, I feel awful that climate change is denied by the GOP! My 🙏🏻are with you all!

[@71suns]

They can deny it all the want but it won't change the facts.

[@dieweisseRose2025]

They actually DO KNOW it's real...why else do they want Greenland?

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

@@dieweisseRose2025 Good point. Didn’t even trump “truth” something about Greenland’s increasing importance to US national security and trade (via a year-round open Northwest passage) AS THE ARCTIC WARMS?

[@pc8134]

It was arson. Stop with the climate change hoax.

[@victorypledge3262]

What do these fires have to do with that political propaganda anyways

[@vanessawhitneypro]

I live here, too... Much love, Leigh... Be safe, everyone. Thank You, First Responders, and Gavin & Joe... We appreciate you ALL.

[@TodaysDante]

I live here too. What are you thanking Gavin and Joe for? Gavin refused to store rain water, and stops people from control burning in the forest. And all Joe did was say he's not a great grandfather and promise CA money AFTER he leaves office. Gavin and Karen are the reason this happened.

[@Sparkle-Pony369]

On behalf of my fellow Australian's and my family and I, we have had you in our thoughts and prayers since this began and will continue today, tomorrow and far into the future, so this will never be forgotten. 🕊🙏🕯🇦🇺🤝🇺🇸

[@Absolute_Ziro]

All wishes for safety for you and yours, Leigh! No Red. No Blue. All humanity.

[@DougGrinbergs]

Major empathy.🙏 Last week was third anniversary of devastating Marshall Fire here in Boulder County, Colorado

[@hasmasch]

Fellow Boulderite here. The Marshall fire was such a nightmare 24 hours. We had friends evacuated from their home in Superior stay with us in Broomfield and we were also nearly evacuated. Experiencing the fallout from that is what makes me 100% confident in saying that this event in LA will have global, world-changing repercussions

[@907T]

It's a nightmare. Words cannot express the empathy we feel. We need to pull together.

[@karlastreeter7448]

Praying for your safety Leigh and for all the people of Los Angeles that are in the path of these horrendous wildfires. 🙏🏻❤️

[@bluelady549]

I'm so sorry for you and all the people in harm's way. Thank you for all you do to bring truth to light. Blessings and love to all.

[@myelo1023]

I know it isn’t a democratic issue, but like you pointed out….Trump and his hoard will say “if only you had…instead of saving the smelt” PLEASE stay safe and leave sooner rather than later…if your home doesn’t go, you will be able to go back to it…

[@ruthrodenhauser4195]

I hope you can believe that millions of Americans are not believing anything Trump says about this situation. We are pulling for you and keeping all affected in our prayers. Hang in there!

[@71suns]

Thank you

[@jim2498]

@@ruthrodenhauser4195 you do know California at one time had millions more cattle and sheep. All them cattle and sheep eat all the fuel for the wildfires.

[@OzarkFishPit]

You mean hundreds of people. Two hundred.

[@angeladansie4378]

​@@OzarkFishPitNo, sweetie, there are millions of us who neither believe nor worship the childish lying felon. Sure, he's our president for the next four years & we'll make the best of a bad situation. But it's just our reminder that the Republican cuts to & destruction of our public education system has resulted in a large portion of American adults reading & comprehending at about a 6th grade level.

[@jlorde8838]

Trump gave them fantastic advice they refused to follow years ago.

[@ronbraunagel4815]

Canadian here. Canada has sent 150 firefighters to Los Angeles. This is what good neighbours do.

[@Jenn4kindness]

I lived in Colorado 22 years ago. The Hayman Fire started 5 miles from my parent’s house. It happened the summer I was getting married. My parents had to work. They kept their prized possessions in their cars. They when went to work everyday not knowing if they would be able to go home. My uncle was like a third grandfather. He refused to leave his cabin. I lived and worked in Colorado Springs. Everyday, I would look over at the mountains and see the smoke. The fire burned the opposite direction for months. My parent’s home and my uncle was spared. One good gush of wind could have changed that. Many friends lost their homes. My heart goes out to everyone affected by these fires. Please know I am praying for you!

[@SusanA1056]

Retired Canadian Forestry (Fire lines) firefighter. We've seen cities burn to the ground here. We're praying for you all. 4 of our Canadian provinces have sent water bombers, fire fighting equipment and staff to La. Using water from a hydrant on a forest fire, is like trying to put out a fire by spitting on it. The time to look at how we can prevent this from happening is not now. Do that after the fires are out. Lets focus on saving lives and putting the fires out.

[@janemoore9270]

Horrific circumstances. The fact thar MAGA is so heartless is sadly NO surprise Keep safe 💙

[@marysuze]

I live in Oregon and after a huge fire got way too close to our city, I got go bags. My husband and I take care of two family members with disabilities so we’d need extra time to leave. The go bags give me peace of mind. I have water, blankets, and pillows in the car. I have also taken photos of what we have in the house for the purpose of insurance claims. Nothing fancy, as we were under threat when I did this. I opened drawers and closets and took a photo of contents. Also took photos of every room. Pretty easy, nothing fancy, just to jog memory. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Sending love from often fire ravaged neighbor to the north-oregon. May you get some rest.

[@Callie7912]

We did the same thing. Took photos of everything. Hello from often fire ravaged Northern California.

[@marysuze]

@ hello Callie, as heather cox Richardson says, we are in this together.

[@Callie7912]

@@marysuze So very true!

[@jeannadavis3018]

I pray for all of the people that are going through this! Its horrible! Please everyone be safe and be careful! Those of us that have a heart and actually care about our fellow citizens are keeping you in our prayers and hearts! We love you!

[@oldmanghost219]

I am from the area and of all the fires I have seen in my 70 years and the high winds, I have never seen anything like this. The Santana Anna winds would last for 3 days the die down on the 3rd. The BS from Trump's base is sickening.

[@GailFarisHartsfield]

😍💙💜❤️💜💙😍 Stay safe. Buildings can be replaced, but people cannot be

[@BluePatriotWinner]

And animals too! Wild and domesticated. 🥺😿😭

[@mymidlifemessiness]

There are MAGA people in that group! I don't understand why everybody on the right is being so callous.

[@paulschweizer7696]

Because that's who they are....

[@Serai3]

Because they live on hate and bitterness. Because that lunatic gives them permission to be the worst they can be.

[@chrisbacos]

They don't have the capacity for reason or critical thinking.

[@jenniferbyork690]

Cause they are callous!

[@toooldforthisshte1681]

Isn't it obvious? They ARE EVIL! They love the pain and suffering of others.

[@Lib4life-t3n]

Omg Leigh, I wish you the best. Stay safe.

[@pc8134]

She is surrounded by democrats...what could go wrong????

[@KaritKtana]

_This won't skip anyone._ I hope everyone remembers this.

[@cryptojohnny3921]

😢God Bless You, I wish you the best !! 🙏🙏🙏

[@barbegan1954]

I sincerely hope you remain safe and in your home. I live in Oregon and have had to evacuate three times due to forest fires. Luckily, I always came back to an intact home with a few burned trees. The stress is unimaginable and I do feel for your situation. You are a valued member of my online family…stay safe.

[@sylviahoffman9440]

I'm glad your family is safe. I'm in Long Beach area, far enough away to not evacuate, but but close enough to smell and see the effects. Be Safe Los Angelinos.

[@whiteknightcat]

I am so sorry to see all this devastation happening. Even more infuriating is seeing the absolute evil of Trumpians actually laughing about this, saying everyone "deserved" what they got. It is such unspeakable evil that it only brings out the bad in us, hoping that they themselves some day suffer that which they revel in about others. Please be safe everyone.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

To see these clowns use it as an opportunity to further display their racism is disgusting... blaming it all on conspiracy theories about a black arsonist and DEI (ie, black) firefighters is reprehensible!

[@brenk7764]

Sending you virtual hugs and solidarity from the east coast 💞

[@PamelaReynoso]

As a native Californian who’s lived in very close proximity to a complex fire and volunteered with an animal evacuation center, my heart is with you. Stay safe.

[@jdk5379]

Please take care of yourself & your family, Leigh. Thank You for all You Do & Are! Hugs, Love & Safety to You & Yours-

[@pc8134]

She is surrounded by woke and DEI democrats.....what could possibly go wrong????

[@HanksHashtagNOTskintag]

@@pc8134 what a basic person you are, congratulations on being so hateful!

[@kevinprowse7597]

Oh gosh, stay strong Leigh and family.

[@coleengoodell7523]

"He who mocks at the suffering of others will not go unpunished."

[@poppykelly2619]

Sending love and positive energy to you as you navigate through this.

[@deevnn]

I live in Northern California went through this seven years ago...and every year thereafter. I put my important papers and things that I like and am packed up starting in May and keeping it available through the first rains usually in November up here. I live near Santa Rosa and people I know poked their heads out their front door at midnight and saw the fire at the end of the residential street. 22 dead, almost 6000 structures destroyed and burned out the business district north of town. So be aware, don't freak out and be prepared to get in your vehicle on a planned route out of your area. Remember many will be doing the same so start immediately and make sure your route is a lesser known way out of your area. Good luck

[@71suns]

Same here. The devastation and terror of the Tubbs fire is very reminiscent of what is happening in Southern California right now. The wind whipping a firestorm so terrifyingly immense there's very little to stop it regardless of the tireless bravery of our firefighters. My heart goes out to all of them. This also happened in Maui...😢

[@71suns]

Your description and wise counsel FROM our EXPERIENCE up here is spot on and I hope is heard and heeded. Especially that there's very little time to get out and too often it's too late... flames are on either side of the road skittering across the black pavement and blazing hot embers are blowing everywhere around your vehicle. Again I implore anyone in that area reading these lived-out accounts... have a plan in place. A route you're going to use to get out. Be vigilant. Be ready to go.

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

All the best to you & your family. Good luck Leigh.

[@emmanuelbenghi8798]

Listening to that Lady, I can feel some hope for humanity. Respect from Brasil.

[@thefrozenshadowking]

How can anyone deny climate change at this point

[@jeffreyferguson83]

Tell me how Climate Change kept water from Fire Hydrants? Tells how Climate Change kept water from flowing from the North to the South to help with water shortages? Because Newsome stopped that to save fish. Santa Ana winds have been around since the beginning of time! Did climate change have anything to do with all the so called extra Fire Equipment that Los Angeles County sent to Ukraine? Hearing Fire Fighters say there’s no water or water pressure isn’t a climate change problem!

[@dieweisseRose2025]

I have friends who save farm animals (a very worthy endeavor). They live in Florida and sent out pictures of their destroyed barns and other structures (thank goodness, they didn't loose any animals) after the two hurricanes passed through...and yet, they refuse to believe that climate change is real and think all progressive leaning people are evil...what is one to do?

[@cedarwaxwing3509]

@@dieweisseRose2025 Find other friends. If push comes to shove, they won’t stand with you.

[@kalayne6713]

All you can do is encourage them to watch independent media like this channel, Meidas Touch, Brian Tyler Cohen, David Pakman etc. Fox news lies and lies and lies.As an Australian, I am so angry at that old bastard Rupert Murdoch and his minions of misinformation.We are boycotting him and his advertisers and making inroads. It is taking some action, at least.

[@williamfrye552]

12 or 15 years ago Republicans believed in climate change until big oil companies gave them money to deny it.

[@margaretinsydney3856]

I'm so sorry for everything that you are going through. It's beyond words! In Australia, we've had some horrific fires over the years, and every fire season is longer and harder than the last, but the LA disaster is in a class of its own. To have so many fires burning up one of the world's great cities is just heartbreaking. Please take care of yourself the best you can. Blessings!

[@sjzara]

This is terrible to see. I can’t imagine what you have had to go through.

[@michaeljohn7398]

Thank you for speaking Truth to this terrible state of affairs.. . Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@pc8134]

Yep, democrats will indeed make your state terrible. They ruin everything.

[@michellecuyer9979]

Im sitting here in Québec Canada watching and listening to you ..i wish you and your familly the best, i can not imagine what you are going through..😢

[@growyougirl]

Thank you for this. Compassion and empathy is what is needed for our dear fellow Americans in Our beloved California 💚

[@KDKF9]

Sending everyone in Los Angeles love and positive energy as you deal with this horrific devastation. Big hugs to you. 💗💗💗

[@patpierce4854]

Stay safe, Leigh! My sister lives in Encino, north of the Palisades fire. We are holding our breath, hoping she is spared, just like you. Heartbreaking for everyone facing this catastrophe….

[@climateteacherjohnj7763]

Stay safe, Leigh and thank you for your words of support towards our community. Our strength is in having a heart that, yes, can be broken, but still better than having no heart at all.

[@terifogel]

I grew up in LA and have dear friends there. Prayers for you and your family and everyone. May we help each other and care. Thats what we need to be doing.

[@georgemartin1498]

Thank you Leigh and best of luck! Having lived many years in CA, originally from Texas, I am of the opinion that a large part of our country is simply envious of CA. I’ve lived the last 30 years in CO and, as an outdoor person suits me as well as CA but I will never be a CA hater. My three children were all born there! As a country whose origins are predominantly influenced by Christian culture and theology the current population has to be the most vengeful, antichristian, uncompassionate lot in the world (whoops, this is the Old Testament 😢). As an atheist I’ve no theological dog in this fight. Just a (depressed) observer.

[@BA-ng9bx]

None of those hateful people are Christians, whatever they may call themselves. Calling oneself a Christian doesn't make them a Christian. Loving your neighbor makes a person a Christian. Hate is from the devil.

[@Respect-All13]

Im a blue dot in Tennessee and ive been praying for ALL of y'all to be safe , I've got friends that evacuated and I sat up all night watching in disbelief bc thr 100 years drought and high winds just made the fire move so fast. My heart is with ALL of you💙💙💙

[@angelikashipman3260]

I have relatives that live in the areas on fire, they lost everything 😢😢...this is horrible, Leigh...please stay safe!😢

[@dkendrafrancesco7270]

Faced the possibility of evacuation a few years ago (Oregon). My daughter and I packed up these items: important cards and papers, including medical records, all prescription meds and allergy meds, toiletries, a set of clothes, and pet food and travel crate all by the front door. In the car: dried food packs, water, car stuff, sleeping bags, camping gear, and batteries for all of it. We were on Level 2, "be ready to go", for a week. Hope this list helps.

[@brookecribbs8209]

So much love and protection to you, your neighbors and anyone in this precarious situation. No state, red or blue, is free from natural disaster. It can happen anywhere ! Sending light from KY

[@bookwoman40]

Those of us who are loving, compassionate, thinking people are not laughing at you please know we care. Not laughing in Minnesota 😢.

[@rhondagentry2170]

Not laughing in my NC blue dot.😢

[@AniMerci]

My heart is with you all. You are strong and resilient. Sending love and comfort from New Jersey. Please stay safe. #CaliforniaStrong 🙏💔

[@GratefulHippieChic]

It breaks my heart to see this happen in southern Cali. As someone who lives in Colorado, I understand how quickly the fires can consume everything in sight. LA will rebuild-stronger, safer, and better. I look forward to the Phoenix rising from the fires.

[@thelaur1969]

Leigh, I am SO sorry that you are all going through this. Nothing more that I can say. Stop.Politicising.Disasters. Keeping you ALL in my thoughts.

[@sarahlail2516]

From NC I hope everyone dealing with this will be safe and that their loved ones are safe. As youve aaid things must change ans they need to start changing now. Love from the East coast

[@YuvaJuba]

Cruelty is MAGA last name. The rest of Americans are with you California. Stay strong.

[@kaymerritt3694]

God bless you and your family! I keep thinking back to this old commercial that said don't fool with mother nature and look what we have done!

[@nicolestoen2368]

I am so, so sorry Leigh 😢 💙

[@kalayne6713]

Having survived the 2020 bushfires in Australia, I am thinking of all impacted by this horror.I feel for you. We still have PTSD. Hoping all of you, yours, and your pets are safe.Thank you, first responders.

[@jimmyolson7117]

I agree 100% with everything you've said. The problem is that now, to a large degree, it's just too late. Now this reality-based but admittedly pessimistic outlook doesn't mean we all shouldn't try to do things better - conserve water and energy, continue trying to move away from such heavy fossil fuel dependence. But we need to be realists. The resources of this planet can't handle 8+ billion people, and the activities we do - primarily in the developed parts of the world - to make life easier and more convenient for humans is to blame. We've never collectively, as a species, put the planet first. I don't think we have either the will or the ability to do so now.

[@71suns]

'We' whom specifically? Who has been and (frankly close to Exclusively) been responsible for making all domestic and foreign policy decisions not only in the US but worldwide? And now that it's blatantly obvious they've made such a F-ING mess of it.. they continue to imagine they THEMSELVES alone have the 'vast and unmatched wisdom' to find solutions for their willingly complicit destruction of all living things on our entire planet.

[@sheelfjohnson]

And now AI is making it even worse.

[@loriwoloshyn7266]

🇨🇦 here. I am heartbroken for all those who lost everything. Doesn't matter if your rich or poor, young or old, it's a devastating loss, full stop.

[@TheCgmullen]

Sorry to hear you're having to deal with all this fire tragedy. I was raised in Southern California and to see this breaks my heart. Stay safe.

[@shew11th]

The images are astounding to even see, I can’t imagine living through this like you so many others. There are no words but I FELT every word you said go through my soul. Wishing you and your family and all the people in LA strength, light and love 💗

[@James-m7o]

I was born and raised in Los Angeles and do not live there at the moment. My whole family on both sides for generations are from Los Angeles my grandfather poured the terrazzo on the Hollywood Walk of fame. I've got plenty of family members over there right now and it worries me to death. And with Donald Trump's rhetoric it really ticks me off. There's something wrong with that man.

[@ChrisK-l8n]

Right with you! I had to Google how to evacuate my grandsons snake! Yuck! But it is the most stressful, upsetting face of reality to know that you might have to leave everything to fate, my heart goes out to everyone affected by these fires, I am so grateful we only had to be on alert,

[@gwaning3]

OMG! So sorry to hear about your plight, and what's happened to thousands of people already in L.A., etc. God Bless, and watch over you, your family, and all the families of L.A.!

[@dianahall8069]

Thank you for this post. Watching with heartache from San Diego.

[@bigJovialJon]

Just wait for them to blame the windmills for all the wind.

[@Undercoverbooks]

Sending prayers from Canada, wishing you safety and peace.

[@caligirl1suarez350]

It’s coming to fruition that these natural disasters are getting bigger and bigger every day. What isn’t is the denial that Climate Change is not really happening. I don’t know what it will take for the assholes to start believing it before our Mother Earth is completely destroyed. Prayers go out to you all in Southern California that the winds will die down and you finally get the much needed rains.

[@SanjeevGhanekar21]

Very sad to see all the fires in all the areas and so many people having to evacuate and seeing their homes burned down in the heart breaking situation.

[@annspires8380]

You have hit the nail on the head! I've been watching the news and commentaries, and you have really brought this into focus. Every firetruck trying to plug into the system at the same time and draw water is going to cause massive problems. I'm sorry anyone has to go through this, but now it's prominently affecting a group of people who have the financial and public clout to bring this to the front in a really meaningful way. I watched a segment by Katie Couric and Jane Fonda. I really hope more celebrities start using their voices for more than self-promotion. The climate doesn't care if you are wealthy, poor, a celebrity, or a loner. It's an equal opportunity "ass kicker". We need a certain type of climate in order to survive and we are losing it.

[@pattiray8542]

When I was a child, our family had to evacuate due to a wildfire. It was terrifying and heartbreaking. My sympathies are with you and the rest of those who are impacted by this disaster. Stay safe ❤

[@rakeshmalik5385]

Well said. All the best!

[@FiveMinutesPeace-e7p]

Sending love from Australia 🇦🇺 🦘.Stay safe, take care. Janelle 💜

[@ashleyowens1093]

Climate change is affecting us too, just differently. I woke up to 21 degrees with real feel of 9. *9*. And I live in central NC. The fluctuations are insane.

[@rhondagentry2170]

I am in NC foothills and freezing with snow on the way while watching California's extreme disaster with fire. This feels surreal. Climate change is real. I wish money spent on someone's wishlist for a Mars joy ride would be spent for incentives to calm Earth.

[@faustinreeder1075]

It’s called winter. Winter is a time of year when it gets cold. You’ll be fine. In a few months it will be spring and you can complain about all the pollen in the air.

[@ashleyowens1093]

@@faustinreeder1075 My point is - this is unusually cold temp for my area. Highly unusual for it to last as long as it has and will continue for the foreseeable future. Not sure if you paid attention - I live in the south.

[@rhondagentry2170]

@@faustinreeder1075 Sounds like a canned comment.

[@michaelDelarosa-c4s]

My prayers are with everyone effective please 🙏 be safe 🙏

[@BrawndoDrinker]

My home backs onto Federal land in Northern California and I have been here for over a quarter of a century, from day one I knew of the huge risk I have from a wildfire. CalFire considers my neighborhood one of the highest risk locations in the state and I am on the front line if anything happens. I do everything I can to minimize the risk to my home, but the Feds barely do anything on the boundary line. The response time would not be fast enough to save my home, and the local fire station chief told me to stay in my home until the fire rushed by then head into the burned area since trying to out run it would be bad. Always have a plan for natural disasters in California, and we have a lot of them. BTW CalFire Firehawk helos practice at the lake behind my house day and night when they are getting ready for the fire season, trust me, if they can fly, they are ready to fight.

[@peterdollins3610]

Good luck & love to all in California.

[@GrumpyGramps3D]

Please stay safe. Your lives are more important than tangible objects

[@vikkiledgard8483]

Yes, but Donnie is now in charge of the magic sharpie. So it's all going to be fine 🙄 I'm truly grateful for all your efforts, and I'm wishing from deep in my soul that you don't have to evacuate. Stay safe 🙏 ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FadedRoseStoriesFairyTales]

I wrote this blurb to use on chats. Feel free to use it where you see where it needs to be said. "This comment section is full of inaccurate and inflammatory statements, likely from individuals or outside agitators trying to mislead, provoke outrage, and sow division. Please fact-check claims and focus on reliable sources of information. Don’t let yourself be gaslit-there’s already enough devastation on the ground. Let’s focus on constructive solutions, not manufactured outrage."

[@gregwalter7866]

Thank you for having the sand to bring up what sooo much of the media/ fossil fuel industry hacks to NOT focus on Climate Change as front and center. These events, as you pointed out, will just keep coming, bigger and stronger. Again, thank you!

[@brendamckee7303]

I am so sorry you all have to deal with this horrific situation 😢😢

[@cheryldavis7813]

Dear Leigh, i am not laughing I am praying. In Australia, we know through painful experience about fire storms and so can relate to what you are going through.

[@Cravinsanity1234]

As an Australian we offer our deepest sympathies .Our hearts break for you. 😭 💕We are waking up to the climate changing but too slowly.

[@pc8134]

It was arson. Stop with the climate change hoax.

[@eegarim]

I recently read Fire Weather by John Vaillant! I wish everyone would read that book. If ever there was “Fire Weather” it was what happened in the Los Angeles area this week, and for the past six months with nearly no rain. What is happening in L.A. is what happened in Paradise, CA in 2018 and what happened in San Diego with the Cedar fire in 2003. That fire was the largest for several years. But it pales in comparison to subsequent, and more frequent fires. Anyone who doesn’t believe in Climate Change by now is woefully ignorant. So sad those types are going to be leaders in the next Government.😬