Evacuation Count from Los Angeles Fires Higher Than Shreveport’s Population

Imagine a natural disaster so bad, you had to evacuate the entire city of Shreveport. How would you even start? Where would you try and get everyone? How would you move those people; would you demand they do it themselves?

Those are some of the scenarios playing out right now in the greater Los Angeles area.

As we enter our second full week of massive wildfires tearing across southern California, the evacuation number has now risen to 180,000 people. With more expected to be added, and some who have actually been taken off already. Asking 180,000 people to evacuate is basically like asking the entire city of Shreveport to leave at once.

The current estimated population of Shreveport is 177,959, according to the US Census. That's down about 10,000 residents since 2020.

There are at least 24 deaths being blamed on the fires, and officials say that they are responsible for destroying 12,000 structures across the region as well. The fires are said to have burned over 60 square miles, and are nowhere near contained.

The National Weather Service has issued "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Warning for this week in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. This is expected to be in place early Tuesday (January 14th) through Wednesday (January 15th). With experts looking at the potential for "explosive" growth with these fires.

Earlier today it was reported that the Palisades Fire has only been 13% contained. The Eaton Fire is just 33% contained.

Perhaps the biggest disaster has yet to unfold with these fires. News reports are starting to cover the fact that multiple insurance companies have cancelled homeowners policies for those who have lost their homes in these fires. In California there does appear to be a state-sponsored insurance policy, known as the California FAIR Plan Association, which some residents have taken advantage of. However those left to private insurance may have no coverage for their losses.