A climate scientist’s Facebook page helped Californians prepare for wildfires, potentially saving many lives with timely evacuation alerts.
Altadena: A young climate scientist named Edgar McGregor is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking during a wildfire crisis in California. He runs a Facebook page called Altadena Weather and Climate, where he warned locals about the impending danger.
On January 6, just before the wildfires erupted, he predicted a powerful Santa Ana windstorm that could lead to catastrophic fire conditions. He urged everyone to prepare for possible evacuations.
When the Palisades Fire broke out on January 7, McGregor’s warnings were crucial. He advised people to stay alert and ready to leave, which many believe saved lives.
McGregor, only 24, was surprised by the praise he received. He felt he was just doing his job, not performing any heroic acts. He had been monitoring the weather closely since late December, noticing signs that indicated a severe fire risk.
He compared the conditions to those in Lahaina, Hawaii, and Paradise, California, where devastating fires had previously occurred. McGregor warned that if a wildfire started, it could destroy thousands of homes.
He even suggested that people prepare their cars with essential items, knowing that the situation could escalate quickly. His warnings turned out to be more than just precautionary; they were lifesaving.
Living in Altadena, McGregor saw firsthand the destruction around him. While his home remained safe, many of his neighbors lost everything. He felt that his warnings gave people crucial time to prepare and evacuate.
As the fires continued to rage, McGregor kept updating his followers, reminding them that the threat wasn’t over yet. He emphasized the need to stay vigilant as more windstorms and mudslides could follow.
