At least five people have lost their lives, and thousands of homes and structures burned as a wildfire ravaged Southern California. A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, threatening one of the most iconic spots in LA. Despite the efforts of the fire departments and helicopters dumping water on the flames, there has been no respite from the fire as of yet.
The visuals of the once scenic neighborhoods turned into ashes and flames, something similar to the apocalyptic scene of a Hollywood movie. It was evident that more help and resources would be needed to tackle this adversity, and many NASCAR fans looked towards their hero Greg Biffle. But, despite his recent rescue work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, he just wasn’t able to put a plan in motion. He took to social media to explain the reason for not being involved in the rescue operation in California.
Here’s why Greg Biffle isn’t able to help people in California
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Biffle had no plans initially to get involved in the rescue operations after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. It all started with him lending a hand to his friend with a single-family rescue in western North Carolina. The NASCAR driver used his personal helicopter, and after he completed his first rescue, he just couldn’t turn back.
This small initiative soon blew up to become a huge rescue operation with 35 helicopters joining in along with more volunteers. Surely, California could use a hero like Greg Biffle right now, and race fans did turn to him to kickstart another mega-rescue operation that would aid thousands stranded in the region. However, the adverse weather conditions are restricting any movements, which is why Biffle hasn’t put his resources to use.
Replying to the concerns and pleas for help online on X, Biffle wrote, “A lot of people asking if helicopters can be used to help put out the wildfires. From watching the news and talking to my aunt and cousin, it looks like the winds are over 98 mph blowing embers everywhere. Pilots can only fly when it’s safe to do so, and it’s way too unsafe now!”
Biffle did put out a message on X as the news about the wildfire in California broke out. “Stay safe LA.” The weather conditions have somewhat improved by Wednesday night, but this was only a slight respite. Red-flag weather conditions will persist through much of Friday night in the Southern California region. The winds are expected to pick up by Thursday afternoon with gusts reported to be up to 40 mph and isolated gusts of up to 70 mph.
Meanwhile, former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick stirred up the pot with her brutal take on the wildfire incident.
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Danica Patrick questions administrative authorities
There were warning signs before the wildfire engulfed the Southern California region. The predictions in particular were about the wind conditions that would be worse since the 2011 storm that had destroyed parts of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. Now that the wildfire has engulfed the entire region, many have expressed their anger aimed at the authorities for neglecting this disaster.
Now, Danica Patrick is known for her staunch and unfiltered opinions, and she certainly didn’t pull a punch reacting to the California wildfire. “California has 840 miles of coastline and 3,000 lakes and reservoirs. Why don’t they have enough water to fix any and all fires? At some point, I have to imagine it’s getting difficult for hardcore cali lovers to accept the state of their state and how it’s managed.”
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Sharing a similar view, spotter Brett Griffin added, “Images from California are brutal to see. They need a miracle to stop these fires it seems. If the reports of being out of water are true I can’t imagine how helpless the firefighters must feel.” Hopefully, the firefighters and the rescue operation get a breakthrough in taming the wildfire, as the scenes from California are indeed disheartening.