10 Million in LA PANICKED Over False Evacuation Order

Los Angeles County residents were thrown into panic as an erroneous evacuation alert was sent countywide during severe wildfires, raising serious questions about emergency management systems.

At a Glance

  • A mistaken evacuation alert was sent to nearly 10 million Los Angeles County residents
  • The alert was intended only for areas near the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, Calabasas, and Agoura Hills
  • Officials quickly retracted the message, but not before causing widespread confusion and anxiety
  • The error has sparked concerns about the reliability of emergency alert systems during critical situations
  • Wildfires have already forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate, with at least seven confirmed deaths

Widespread Panic Ensues from Erroneous Alert

In a startling turn of events, Los Angeles County residents found themselves in the grip of panic as an emergency evacuation alert was mistakenly sent to millions of people across the region. The alert, intended only for those near the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, Calabasas, and Agoura Hills, reached far beyond its target audience due to what officials later described as a technical error.

The magnitude of the error became apparent when it was revealed that nearly 10 million people received the warning, causing widespread confusion and distress. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn quickly took to social media to address the situation, attempting to quell the rising tide of anxiety among residents.

“I have been informed the evacuation warning that many of us just received on our phones was mistakenly issued countywide due to a technical error,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said.

Officials Scramble to Correct the Mistake

As the reality of the error set in, county officials rushed to issue a correction. The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent out a follow-up alert, instructing residents to disregard the initial warning and clarifying that it was only intended for those in the Kenneth Fire area. However, the damage had already been done, with many residents having already begun preparations for evacuation.

“Disregard last EVACUATION WARNING. It was for Kenneth Fire Only. AlertLa.org for more information,” the Los Angeles County Fire Department stated.

Kevin McGowan, Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, acknowledged the error and attempted to reassure the public. “We understand that these wildfires have created great anxiety, hardship and distress among our residents, and we are committed to sharing accurate information,” McGowan said.

Residents Express Frustration and Concern

The false alarm did not sit well with many Los Angeles County residents, who expressed their frustration and concern over the incident. Social media platforms were flooded with messages from angry and frightened citizens, highlighting the additional stress caused by the error during an already tense situation.

“To unnecessarily panic an entire county that has already been on edge for two days is beyond negligent. I am livid,” Page Six reporter Bernie Zilio said.

The incident has raised serious questions about the reliability of emergency alert systems and the potential consequences of such errors. Many residents worry that this mistake could lead to a loss of trust in future emergency alerts, potentially putting lives at risk during genuine emergencies.

Wildfires Continue to Ravage Los Angeles County

As the controversy over the false alarm unfolded, the very real threat of wildfires continued to loom large over Los Angeles County. The fires have already forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate their homes, with at least seven confirmed deaths. The devastation has been extensive, with nearly 30,000 acres burned across the county.

The ongoing crisis has also sparked political controversy, with critics calling for the resignation of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass over their handling of the wildfires. Mayor Bass, in particular, has faced criticism for being out of the country during the fires and for reducing the firefighting budget.