California Burning
A spreading brush fire in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Everything I’ve heard about the situation thus far has been coming through citizen journalists, blogging their photos and videos. A lot of information can be found on blogging.la.
It’s as if a distinct language exists for such disasters. Egregious damage transformed into numbers; 600 acres scorched, 20% under control, 2,000 homes without power, 300 people evacuated so far. Verbosity is stripped away and communication streamlined. Many struggle to convey their reactions. “I wish I could convey how nuts this is.” I recall the same language on September 11th, 2001, and August 31st, 2005.
There is fear, awe, worry, disbelief. “They should have sent a poet.”
photo by Sew Darn Jenny