Azerbaijan evacuates Consulate General staff in Los Angeles due to wildfires

Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada has said that employees of the Azerbaijani Consulate General in Los Angeles were temporarily evacuated due to wildfires that began in California on January 7.

“Despite the evacuation, the Consulate General continues operating remotely, taking measures to ensure the safety of Azerbaijani citizens, monitoring the situation, and keeping communication channels open for citizens any time,” he told Report, Caliber.Az informs. 

Hajizada added that a warning and emergency contact number have been posted on the Consulate's social media pages to ensure the safety of Azerbaijani citizens. A link to the relevant website has been provided so citizens can access information about the fires and safety instructions.

Wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have destroyed multiple celebrity homes and disrupted Hollywood's busy awards season.

Celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Carrie Elwes have lost their residences, while others, including Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, and Tom Hanks, await news on their properties’ fate.

California firefighters continue battling the fires, with strong winds exacerbating the situation. At least 70,000 residents are under evacuation orders, and nearly 30,000 structures are at risk. The fires have destroyed iconic landmarks, including the historic Will Rogers ranch and parts of the Palisades Charter High School.

In response to the crisis, various Hollywood events have been postponed, including the Critics Choice Awards and film premieres. Major studios, including Universal Studios and Disney, have halted production on several series and closed operations, adding to the disruption of Los Angeles' entertainment industry.

Celebrity social media posts reflect the emotional toll, with many expressing gratitude for survival while mourning the loss of their homes and communities. As a result of widespread wildfires in California, more than 366,000 residents have been left without power.

By Naila Huseynova