False Evacuation Alerts Plague Malibu Residents Amid Wildfires

Residents of Malibu, California, are grappling with a barrage of false evacuation alerts as wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles County. The alerts, sent through the county’s emergency notification system, have caused confusion and anxiety among residents already on edge due to the ongoing fires.

Kevin McGowan, director of Los Angeles County’s emergency-management office, acknowledged that some alerts were sent in error but could not immediately explain why. ‘We are aware of the issue and are working to determine the cause,’ McGowan said in a statement. The county later attributed the false alerts to ‘issues with telecommunications systems, likely due to the fires’ impacts on cellular towers.’

One Malibu resident, whose family has received over a dozen false alerts, described the situation as ‘terrifying and exhausting.’ ‘Every time my phone goes off, I don’t know if it’s real or not,’ the resident said. ‘We’re constantly packing and unpacking, unsure of what to do.’

The confusion has been compounded by spotty cell service, which has made it difficult for residents to verify the accuracy of the alerts. Many have turned to third-party apps like Watch Duty, which provides real-time updates on fire perimeters and evacuation zones. ‘It’s the only way we can get any sense of what’s actually happening,’ said another resident.

Despite the false alarms, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. ‘We understand the frustration, but it’s better to be safe than sorry,’ said a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. ‘We are working around the clock to ensure that accurate information is disseminated as quickly as possible.’

As the fires continue to burn, residents are left to navigate a precarious balance between preparedness and panic. ‘We just want to know what’s real and what’s not,’ said one resident. ‘Right now, it feels like we’re on our own.’