The catastrophic fire that broke out in Los Angeles, America, has so far caused a loss of Rs 12 lakh crore. Many houses and thousands of vehicles were burnt to ashes in this fire. President Joe Biden has declared it a disaster. The fire spread to Hollywood and its surrounding areas, where the richest people of America and the world live. Due to this the loss figure is unusually high.
Tech CEO Austin Russell’s house reduced to ashes
The luxurious bungalow of Austin Russell, CEO of tech company Luminar Technology, was also destroyed in the fire. Pictures of the destruction of his grand bungalow with 18 bedrooms are going viral on social media.
- Price of the bungalow: $125 million (approximately Rs 10,770 crore).
- What was destroyed:
- Garden and drawing room: completely burnt.
- Kitchen: Whose design was famous all over the world, is now reduced to ashes.
- Theater and basement: The air-conditioned theater and basement were completely destroyed.
- Rooftop deck, spa and car gallery: everything was reduced to ashes.
Discussion of grandeur of bungalow and rent
This bungalow came into limelight in 2023 when its rent was reported to be Rs 3.74 crore per month.
- Current Rent: More than Rs 4 crore per month.
- Scene of devastation:
- Most of the building collapsed due to the fire.
- The master bedroom and panic room were completely destroyed.
Questions and political debate on fire department
This fire in Los Angeles has also heated up the politics of the city.
- Statement from Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley:
- Budget Cuts: “Our department’s budget cuts have resulted in a severe equipment shortage.”
- “Even essential services and equipment were not available to us.”
- City Mayor Karen Bass’s side:
- He defended the budget cuts, saying it was due to difficult economic conditions.
- Effect of Reduction:
- The fire department’s budget was cut by $17 million.
- Due to this shortage, the department faced serious challenges in extinguishing the fire.
Failure of politics and administration?
After this massive fire, serious questions are being raised on the administrative system.
- Impact of budget cuts:
- The fire department could not get the necessary equipment and facilities to extinguish the fire.
- Employees did not even get the basic resources they needed to do their jobs.
Losses and challenges ahead
The Los Angeles fire has not only proved economically devastating, but also exposed the city’s administrative failures.
- Effect:
- The houses and properties of many rich were reduced to ashes.
- The city’s lack of resources to deal with the fire made the situation worse.
