San Antonians with relatives near Los Angeles are monitoring conditions closely, saying loved ones may soon be among the evacuees.
Several wildfires are burning uncontrollably in California.
As of Wednesday evening, five people died and more than 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. Those numbers are expected to rise.
At least 100,000 people are under evacuation orders, according to California officials.
The devastation is concentrated in the Los Angeles area. Schools in Los Angeles County announced they will be closed Thursday, as many students realize they may not have a school to return to.
The National Weather Services is predicting gusty, dry conditions will continue in the Golden State through Friday.
Many are keeping a close eye on where the fires move next — including families in Texas with loved ones out west. San Antonians with relatives near the wildfires say the flames are getting dangerously close.
“It’s getting a little close to home for me,” said Rosalie Reyes from San Antonio.
Reyes has cousins scattered across California.
“All the way from San Diego all the way up close to the San Francisco area.”
The majority of her relatives live in and around Los Angeles. She checked in with them Wednesday morning after hearing news about the fast-moving wildfires.
“I always make sure to call to find out where exactly the fire is and how close they are to them,” she explained.
Reyes says so far, none of her relatives have been ordered to leave their homes. But one loved one, she fears, may be getting close.
“This [fire] in L.A. County, this one really has me concerned,” said Reyes. “I heard it was going into Simi Valley. We do have another cousin that is over there in Simi Valley…It was going into Topanga Canyon and that’s the exit you take to go to my cousin’s house!”
As her relatives wait to see where the wind blows, Reyes will continue checking in on family to ensure they’re safe.
“They have a prepared list, start getting ready, start monitoring [the fire] just to see which way it’s going.”
Right now, volunteers with the American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region are on standby.
“We’re waiting for something to happen and we want to be there to help the people affected,” said Volunteer Partner, Mac McNell. “The worst day of their life hits and you gotta want to help them.”
Volunteers prepared a truck to take food water and other necessities to California.
They’re just waiting for the call.
“We have noticed because of the climate crisis more frequent disasters,” said Betsy Calderon, the Regional Communications Manager for the Red Cross Central and South Texas Region.
In the meantime, they’re focused on helping during the freezing conditions here — including two trailers that are packed and ready to set up a shelter wherever they’re needed.
“Maybe the cold weather wasn’t as much as we anticipated, then we’re ready to go to the wildfires in Southern California,” said Calderon.
The Red Cross is always in need of volunteers. Visit redcross.org to sign up.
If you’re interested in helping in the California shelters with our local Red Cross chapter, they’ll be hosting a training class at their headquarters located at 3642 E. Houston Street January 18.
Fire crews from neighboring states are sending help to California. KENS 5 called around to see if local fire crews plan to head west. For now, the priority is focusing on local needs during the winter weather.
In a statement, the Texas Department of Emergency Management told us, “Our focus is currently on preparedness and response efforts related to the winter weather impacting Texas.
TDEM and our Texas Emergency Management Council agency partners remain engaged in support of Texas communities facing winter weather impacts. Here’s the latest: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-provides-update-on-texas-ongoing-response-to-severe-winter-weather“