Shortly after CNN’s Anderson Cooper reported on the wildfires raging in Los Angeles, a fiery car explosion was broadcast live on television.
Anderson was explaining, “There’s a lot of trees on this block, a lot of bushes, a lot of…” when the car burst into flames. Cooper, barely sensing any danger, yelled “Oops” and continued reporting.
It’s been 48 hours of sheer madness, heartache and stunning destruction, with reporters around the world risking everything to report from inside hell.
“Extra” spoke with Ginger Gee, ABC News’ chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent, who was reporting from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which killed five people.
“What you’re feeling is just that tangential heartbreak,” she said. “I have a lot of friends here, a lot of co-workers, so that part is really tough. I’m always in disasters, but to see one of this scale in such a densely populated area… That’s a big deal.”
Ginger, who was wearing a mask, said: “The biggest thing for us at least right now is air quality. This is not healthy. The only time I wear this is when I’m talking to you. ” she said, pointing to an N95-style mask. I have a full ventilator, so I walk around here with that. ”
Gee believes more danger lies ahead. “By Friday morning, we’re going to be dealing with wind gusts of 40 to over 60 miles per hour. But when you’ve got six fires burning and you’re using up all your resources, I think that’s a concern.” ”
Fox 11 News reporter Matthew Seedorf grabbed a garden hose and began putting out a fire in the Pacific Palisades.
He spent two days covering the historic fire and told Extra’s Melvin Robert: Reach them with the most newsworthy information. ”
“I was driving around last night and every building was on fire,” Seedorf said of the memorable footage of the fire.
“When I got home last night, I knew my wife had lit candles in the house, and I looked at them and thought, ‘I can’t light candles right now,'” he recalled.
If you or someone you know is affected by wildfires, the American Red Cross is here throughout Southern California. learn more here.
