The California Bobcat Fire burns dangerously in the Angeles National Forest and spreads rapidly. Troubling many residents of nearby cities, fire officials issued evacuation warnings for residents in Duarte, Bradbury, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Pasadena, Altadena, and Arcadia, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. 

The California Bobcat Fire lasted for two weeks, beginning on Sept. 6, 2020, and initially only had 3% of it contained. On Sept. 13, 2020, warnings were officially issued in the city of Arcadia, ordering all residents north of Elkins Ave. and east of Santa Anita Ave. to evacuate with the dangerous wildfire conditions. The evacuation warnings were finally lifted two days later on Sept. 16, 2020, beginning in that afternoon. Residents in the areas who were previously under evacuation orders were advised to stay alert for spot fires or weather conditions that may alter the fire conditions. 

However, throughout all this chaos, school proceeded, and AHS stayed in session, but that is most certainly with concern and careful consideration. With the fires causing much tension in numerous families, AHS sent resources out to families regarding these fires with more information, and teachers empathized with students who are amidst the chaos of evacuating. Luckily, some families did not have to worry while others were packing their belongings and preparing to leave behind their homes. Some families decided to relocate in case of a sudden emergency. 

With both the continuous stress of schoolwork along with an additional concern for their safety as fires spread closer, sophomore Nathalie Chiu spoke to share how the circumstances were not looking good for her mentally as she was “anxious and scared.” She elaborates that with such overwhelming amounts of stress in these unprecedented times, she “felt super pessimistic,” Nathalie says as she was “thinking the fire would actually burn all [her] stuff.”

Fortunately, since evacuation orders were lifted in Arcadia, AHS students were able to return home, and most felt relieved in a way. The daily updates on the Arcadia City Government website luckily prepare and calm residents down with enlightened knowledge on these circumstances. 

The most recent report on the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest, published on Sept. 27, 2020, detailed that the Bobcat Fire has grown over 178 square miles and is 65% contained. 

Though the firefighters’ hard work proves a gradual success, the air quality contaminants in Arcadia began to decrease as clouds of smoke drift away. All in all, as the situation is slowly alleviating, the effects of the California Bobcat Fire leaves an aftermath of the heavy air pollution, lingering in the skies of the United States. 

Photo courtesy of LATIMES.COM