A Tesla owner living in Los Angeles has claimed that his vehicle ‘has saved his life’ as wildfires burn through his home city.
On January 7, LA started burning and it hasn’t stopped since – with authorities confirming that at least 24 people have died in the flames from the various fires that have engulfed entire neighborhoods.
The county has bared witness to the most destructive fires in its history, with four separate blazes now burning through northwest LA.
It all began with Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires all setting alight on the first day. Since then, the Palisades Fire has burned through 23,713 acres with only 17 percent of it in containment, stretching between Malibu and Santa Monica – and has started spreading east.
The Eaton Fire has burned through 14,117 acres with 35 percent containment, the Kenneth Fire spread across 1,052 acres with 50 percent containment, the Hurst Fire has damaged 799 acres with 97 percent of it contained.
Meanwhile, the newest Auto Fire has spread across 57 acres with zero percent containment.
A long list of celebrities have seen their homes burned to the ground, as well as thousands of residents, as strong winds stoked the fires and helped them spread.
Now, a Tesla owner has credited his car for ‘saving’ his life.
“When biodefense mode actually comes in handy for the Palisades Fire in LA. This Tesla is literally saving my life. Never buying another brand ever again. #palisadesfire #tesla,” he wrote on the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.
The man accompanied the post with pictures of him driving in LA, before adding: “For those wondering, my apartment is currently up in flames.”
What is Tesla’s Bioweapon Defense Mode?
Apparently, it’s to do with the filter system fitted in the vehicle.
The Tesla site explains: “If your Model X is equipped with the medical-grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, this filter ensures the best quality air inside the cabin whenever the climate control system is on and outside air is entering the cabin (recirculate is off).
“The HEPA filter is extremely effective at removing particles, including pollution, allergens, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and viruses. Both the HEPA filter and the secondary filtration system also contain activated carbon to remove a broad spectrum of odors and gases.
“When you engage Bioweapon Defense Mode, the positive pressure inside the cabin minimizes the amount of outside air that can enter the vehicle.”
Tesla also replied to the man’s tweet, writing: “Glad to hear – please stay safe.”
UNILAD has contacted Tesla for further comment.
What we know so far about the LA wildfires
2 January
The first warning
The US National Weather Service issued a warning of potential strong Santa Ana winds and extreme fire conditions five days before the first wildfire broke out.
In the following days, a Fire Weather Watch warning was issued, as well as state and local officials giving warnings to the Los Angeles area.
7 January
The first fire ignites
The Palisade’s Fire ignites, triggering an emergency call to be sent to LA residents advising people near the fire to get set for ‘a potential evacuation’.
Later that day, however, the City of Santa Monica issued an Evacuation Order for all areas of the city north of San Vicente: “Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW.”
Two more wildfires begin
Just hours after the first wildfire ignites, the second – named the Eaton Fire – breaks out in the Altadena area of LA.
And following this, the Hurst Fire ignites in LA’s Sylmar area as the National Weather Service report gusts of 99mph. A new evacuation order goes out to those in the affected areas as the blazes rapidly spread, scorching and destroying thousands of acres that contain homes and businesses.
9 January
Prison inmates deployed to help fight fires
Hundreds of incarcerated men and women were deployed to help fight the growing wildfires, with the number of inmates at the frontline standing at 939, the BBC reports.
This practice isn’t uncommon in California, as it is one of 14 US states that uses inmates to help fight fires. Inmates aren’t forced to take part and do so on their own accord, with it being reported they are being paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day.
However, inmates with certain convictions – such as arson and sexual offences – aren’t eligible to volunteer.
10 January
Man arrested for arson
Three days on from the first fire igniting, the LAPD make an arrest after local residents claim that a man on a bike carrying a large blow torch had been trying to set bins and old Christmas trees on fire.
Authorities believe the Kenneth Fire was started intentionally, with the man believed to be responsible being held in custody.
Billion dollar energy company investigated over possible link to wildfires
Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of energy giant Edison International, admitted that its grid experienced a short circuit issue on 7th January, the evening the first fires broke out.
“On January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting,” Edison International said in a press release.
“SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately 10:10pm on 7 January, and preliminary information reflects the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11pm. A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with the Eagle Rock – Sylmar 220 kV circuit. SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.”
A-list celebrities forced out of their homes
A number of celebrities have been forced to evacuate their homes, many of which have been destroyed. This includes the likes of Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy.
13 January
40,000 acres of land destroyed
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, more than 40,000 acres have been burned in the Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth and Hurst fires.
Homes and businesses are among the more than 12,000 structures that have been destroyed.
14 January
LA mayor expedites rebuilding orders
Karen Bass, Los Angeles’ mayor, issued an executive order on Monday evening ‘will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities’ destroyed by the wildfires.
Death toll rises
As of 14 January, 25 people are confirmed to have lost their lives due do the fire.
