Several Chinese residents in Los Angeles spoke with China.org.cn about their harrowing experiences and how they are coping with the disaster caused by the massive, deadly wildfires that ravaged California for days, while also questioning government officials about their response.

Utility workers restore power lines in areas affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, Jan. 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Lawyer Kathy Q. Hao, founder of TCW Global Legal Group, learned about the wildfires from the news. "There were two fires, one very close to my office and another about four miles away from my house in Pasadena," she recalled. "I could already smell smoke in my home, and we received an evacuation warning. I started to get nervous."

Although the fire did not reach her properties, the smoke was heavy. Her daughters relocated to southern Los Angeles while she stayed behind to work on a case. Despite closing all windows and doors, her home and office filled with smoke and dust at intolerable levels. Meanwhile, many of her friends lost their homes and belongings.

"The fires spread very quickly. No one had time to prepare," she said, adding that her friends were safe. "If a house is insured, it can be rebuilt. The government will provide subsidies and support. But for those without insurance, it is tragic. The memories of home, history and collections are lost forever."

It has been over a week since massive wildfires, fueled by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, erupted in Los Angeles, resulting in some of California's most devastating fires. The wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 27 lives and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. The Palisades Fire, the largest, has burned 95 square kilometers as of Jan. 18, with containment improving from 11% to 31% over the past week. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena has reached 57 square kilometers and is now 65% contained, up from 3% a week ago. Decreased wind speeds have aided firefighters, but the National Weather Service warns of future dangerous conditions, with tens of thousands still under evacuation orders.

A firefighting airplane drops retardant to prevent a wildfire from spreading further in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, Jan. 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Musician Michael Liu expressed frustration over the government's response. He was in Hawaii with his wife when the fires broke out, while his mother and their newborn were at home in Arcadia, a city in Los Angeles County. "I felt very anxious and helpless," he said. They immediately booked a flight back.

Their residence is close to the evacuation zone, and they prepared essential items in case they needed to leave. Liu learned that some of his friends' homes had been destroyed, and many were evacuated.

"I was heartbroken to see the losses, and I also felt great anger," he said, attributing the wildfires to arsonists, inaction by the California state government and some Democratic policies. He criticized the Los Angeles Fire Department's spending priorities and said some officials lacked disaster management skills. 

Hao agreed, citing inadequate firefighting resources and neglected infrastructure. "The California government has been ineffective, focusing on trivial matters like funding for fish protection while cutting budgets for firefighting and public safety, among other absurdities. That's why there are now calls for the governor and mayors to resign," she said.

Since the fires began, there have been criticisms directed at California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other local officials for their handling of the crisis.

Wildfires are seen near the home of Michael Liu. [Photo provided by Michael Liu to China.org.cn]

In a video, a Los Angeles mother confronted Governor Newsom as he surveyed the damage, questioning him about the lack of water in the hydrants. The governor promised that it would be different next time.

"The California governor and other officials should bear significant responsibility for the inadequate disaster response. They should resign. There are wildfires in Los Angeles every year; haven't they learned any lessons on how to prevent and respond to these disasters? They prioritized politically correct initiatives but failed in their duty to provide effective disaster relief," Liu complained.

University student Larrissa Xiang first noticed a large black cloud near campus, realizing the fires were serious. As the fire approached, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) canceled classes, and Xiang, evacuated to Long Beach along with some international students, planning to stay there for more than a week.

"Being alive is a stroke of luck amid all the misfortunes," she said, believing that natural factors are the primary cause of the fires and that local firefighters have not received adequate training or drills for such a large-scale disaster.

Donated supplies at a shelter in Los Angeles. [Photo provided by Ruidan Hon to China.org.cn]

Ruidan Hon, a local resident and housewife, described the community's fundraising efforts, with one website raising over a million dollars. "My friends and I also raised $2,000 to purchase supplies for the shelters," she said. Hon also recalled the night the wildfires began, when she worried about wildlife and pets. Now, she is increasingly concerned about the potential economic recession.

Hao offered assistance by hosting two evacuated families in her home. "Disaster relief services in the U.S. are still timely, and the public is actively participating," she said. "People's morale remains strong." Hao called for an investigation into the actions of state officials and the allocation of state and city budgets.