A climate scientist who runs a small Facebook weather page is being hailed as a hero for providing early warnings about the approaching wildfires in California, potentially saving hundreds of lives. His detailed forecasts and urgent calls to action, issued before the fires ignited, urged residents to prepare for evacuation, a message many credit with preventing greater tragedy.
A climate scientist who runs a small Facebook weather page is being credited with saving hundreds of lives by providing Californians with early warnings about the approaching wildfires. On January 6th, a day before the major wildfires erupted, he warned his followers that Southern California was about to experience one of its most powerful Santa Ana windstorms in recorded history, accompanied by world-record fire danger.
Then, on January 7th, the day the Palisades Fire ignited, the scientist urged his neighbors to remain vigilant and prepare for evacuation, a call to action many believe saved countless lives. McGregor, speaking to People magazine, expressed humility about being called a hero, stating, 'I didn't run into a burning building and get third-degree burns trying to save someone's life. So people are sending me all these comments and I’m thinking to myself, I just did my job.'McGregor's forewarning was based on his observations at the end of last year, which indicated that the weather conditions could lead to catastrophic fires. He noted that the windstorm would create conditions similar to those that fueled the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, and Paradise, California, both of which resulted in significant loss of life. He emphasized to his followers the potential for widespread destruction, warning that a wildfire could result in the burning of a thousand homes. On Facebook, McGregor specifically advised readers to park their cars facing outwards and to have essential items and documents readily accessible in their vehicles or near the door. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he acknowledged that his warnings might have seemed excessive but stated that the actual losses were far greater than anyone could have anticipated. McGregor's concern was further heightened by his regular hikes in the Eaton Canyon, where he observed large swathes of dead trees, which he knew would act as fuel for a potentially disastrous fire. He believed that his warnings provided his community with valuable time to prepare and evacuate. While his own home in Altadena survived, many of his neighbors' homes and structures in the surrounding area were completely destroyed. He expressed the belief that the most important aspect of his actions was giving those who lost their homes an extra 30 minutes, an hour, or even 12 hours to prepare and gather their belongings.
WILDFIRES CALIFORNIA CLIMATE SCIENTIST FACEBOOK WARNINGS EVACUATIONS SANTA ANA WINDS PARADISE LAHAINA
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