The terrain made emergency response particularly challenging. Fire engines could not reach many areas, forcing firefighters to move on foot, carrying hoses and equipment up steep stairways and through labyrinthine passages. Police officers assisted with evacuations as gusts of wind pushed embers toward nearby structures. Limited water access in the area also slowed efforts to contain the blaze.
Early assessments suggested that dozens of homes were destroyed, with some estimates surpassing one hundred. Hundreds of residents were displaced, and several people — including children and older adults — were treated for smoke inhalation at nearby health centers. Schools and community buildings quickly opened as shelters, supported by neighbors, volunteers, and local groups providing food, water, blankets, and clothing.Continue reading…
