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A disturbing image shows a group pausing to take smiling selfies amid the chaos of raging wildfires in Pacific Palisades, where two people have tragically lost their lives and numerous homes have been reduced to ash.
Three major blazes have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and killed at least two people as flames move from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena.
Even as the Los Angeles Fire Department urgently appeals for off-duty firefighters to join the battle against the inferno, social media influencers are facing criticism for delaying their evacuation efforts to film videos and snap selfies.
An unidentified group was caught entering an evacuation zone to take selfie photos and videos near burning homes at the Eaton Fire on Tuesday.
Influencer Tara’s World was slammed for filming videos during the power outages instead of evacuating.
One individual remarked, “Our power has gone out due to the intense winds and the looming fires. It’s a dangerous situation, but we’ve decided to embark on a night-time adventure,” on Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning she recorded the debris blown into her pool and complained of the food spoiling in her refrigerator because the power was still out.
Commenters begged her to prepare to evacuate by packing a bag and getting out before the flames get closer.
A group was caught entering an evacuation zone to take selfie photos and videos near burning homes at the Eaton Fire on Tuesday
Influencer Tara’s world was slammed for recording videos during the power outages instead of evacuating
‘This is when you prevent and leave because once that fire closes in you’re toast,’ one person said. ‘Peoples priorities. I’m astounded,’ said another.
‘Put all the cats and the dog [in the car] and get out of there. Just drive away as fast as possible,’ a third person said.
One TikToker shared a video claiming she was ready to brag to her friends currently living in the polar vortex that she was somewhere warm, but was shocked to learn of the fires.
‘I’m from a humid a** state, we don’t have wildfires. I grew up thinking firemen literally just put out house fires,’ she said.
She went on to complain about not knowing what to pack in her go bag and showed off some of her precious items.
‘This is all my jewelry, cause I ain’t leaving this behind. These are all my clothes that I could live without, these are all of my thrifted jewels that I will never be able to find again and could not live without.
‘I’ve got some hats, this Rockies hat, I brought my silk scarf collection. I ain’t leaving these behind. What do I pack? Do I pack fun stuff… what do I do?’
Commenters told her not to prioritize material items and to evacuate as soon as possible.
Another TikToker shared a video complaining about not knowing what to pack in her go bag and showed off some of her precious items
Another influencer complained that she was not able to save her belongings because she was at a resort in Mexico with her partner – despite the fact that the people back in LA are in physical danger and she is not
An NBC Los Angeles reporter offered to keep the paintings belonging to a man who was fleeing his home on a bicycle
‘Girl important paper, pets, family and get out. Material things not important… your life is,’ one person said. ‘Things can go from bad to worse in minutes, take what u can and go.’
Another influencer complained that she was not able to save her belongings because she was at a resort in Mexico with her partner – despite the fact that the people back in LA are in physical danger and she is not.
‘When you’re in Mexico so you couldn’t evacuate your apartment & cars and now it’s burned down in the Palisades fire,’ she said.
‘Crying, laughing out of discomfort, sad we couldn’t get any belongings, happy we’re safe. Trying to enjoy our work trip but dying to be home. Need all the prayers we can get.’
In a second video, she filmed herself sobbing at the resort while an upbeat song played in the background.
‘What the f**k is this,’ she said. ‘Our apartment just burned down and our cars and we’re on vacation in Mexico and this is the f*****g song.’
‘Should we dance it out,’ he partner said.
An NBC Los Angeles reporter offered to keep the paintings belonging to a man who was fleeing his home on a bicycle.
Three major blazes have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and killed at least two people as flames move from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena
Commenters critique the cyclist for waiting so long to leave and surprised by his attempt to take the paintings with him.
‘That’s so nice. My only transportation is a bike and I couldn’t imagine trying to scramble to carry anything in that situation,’ one person said.
‘That one painting is a Van Gogh priced at $300mm,’ one person speculated. He’s fine, house or no house,’ said another.
California governor Gavin Newsom was slammed after he shared a video as he surveilled the wildfires that are ravaging through the Los Angeles area.
The Democrat said he was on the ground in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday as the inferno spread throughout southern California, killing at least two and leaving many significantly injured, per officials.
But his critics took the image as a photo-op as they slammed Newsom for the fires.
The popular @Breaking911 X account wrote: ‘JUST IN: California Gov. Gavin Newsom has showed up to the scene of the Palisades fire to put his hands in his back pockets.’
