Elder Mark A. Bragg, General Authority Seventy and president of the North America West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released a statement in response to multiple fires burning around Los Angeles, California. He explained the impact of the fires and his thanks to first responders. He also encouraged his flock to volunteer.
“Our hearts go out to all affected by the fires that continue to cause destruction in Southern California. As one who grew up and has deep roots in the area, I have a great love for the community. Our prayers are with those who have lost their homes and are displaced and for the first responders.” the LDS leader explained in a statement.
He went on to say ” We mourn with those who have experienced loss and ask for the Savior’s comforting spirit to be with them. We also express gratitude for the acts of faith and work sustaining those affected by this crisis.” He went on to state that the church would be making disaster aid a priority. The statement was posted to the official LDS website.
He expressed “At this time, the Church is mobilizing its resources. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer and make themselves available to assist those in need. The Church is committed to helping during this emergency and throughout the aftermath.” We reported that other celebrities have made their position on the disaster known on social media.
Major celebrities are requesting prayers for the Los Angeles region as firefighters battle deadly wildfires that have devastated the region and strained resources. Currently, five wildfires are actively burning through Los Angeles County. These fires are driven by hurricane-force winds which have combined with unseasonably dry conditions to make the area ripe for fires.
Two of the largest fires, the Palisades fire, and the Eaton fire, have consumed 17,234 and 10,600 acres, respectively. These blazes are 0 percent contained. The three smaller fires, which combined have torched less than 1,000 acres are between 0 and 40 percent under control. Filmmaker and actress Candace Cameron Bure begged her followers to “Please pray for miraculous rain.”
According to authorities, 2,000 homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed. They also report that at least five people have died. 130,000 L. A residence is under evacuation orders. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said What we saw here in the last 24 hours is unprecedented, I’ve never seen anything like this.” Bure is praying for divine intervention.
“Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Sylmar, and Sepulveda pass are still burning. I woke up to the same flames,” the actress wrote in an Instagram post. “Our sweet Palisades is destroyed. So many memories. We are praying God pours rain down on Los Angeles. Thank you, firefighters and first responders, for everything you’re doing to keep people safe and fight these fires. You are true heroes. So many memories.”
She explained in another post This is devastating to watch. Please pray the winds die down as it’s expected to get worse into the early morning hours. Please pray for the safety of firefighters and emergency crews who are fearlessly trying to tackle this disaster. Pray for the safety of every resident. I’m soooo sad.” Firefighters have expressed that they are stretched thin.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said that water resources are strained and the lack enough people to contain the blaze. “We’re doing the very best we can,” he explained. “But no, we don’t have enough fire personnel in L.A. County between all the departments to handle this.” Other major celebrities have joined the calls for prayer.