Celia Mann | Social Media Editor
January 22, 2025
It’s no mystery that natural disasters strike all across the globe, engulfing billions of dollars of infrastructure, possessions, and wildlife every year. No matter the size, disasters, specifically fires, are threatening and extremely dangerous. But how often do citizens of a city like San Clemente believe something like this would ever happen to them? On Monday, January 20, 2025, a small brush fire broke out in the heart of San Clemente, a natural phenomenon that sparked shock throughout the community.
With some of the largest wildfires ever seen blazing through Los Angeles simuntanelously, a sense of unease blankets many cities. While the fire in San Clemente was not even comparable in size to those burning in Los Angeles, residents like junior at San Clemente High School, Catherine Golles frantic that they “would need to evacuate” to survive.
The real question however, is how did a fire break out on a hill surrounded by shopping centers? The answer: a group of young and unknowing boys. Sophomore Emma Nelson reported that some people her “brother knew went out biking on a hill” near Avenida La Pata and Avenida Pico, “and lit a stick on fire for fun.” Upon realizing they couldn’t put out the blaze they started, they “threw it in a bush,” and when that didn’t work, “put a couch over it,” drenching it with “Dr. Pepper.” Within minutes, what started as a small spark grew into a brush fire that was rushing across the hill.
An incredible response by the nearby San Clemente Fire Department ensured that the fire was put out “20 minutes after it was reported,” student and aspiring firefighter Jack Vermillion recounted. Without these firefighters, this disaster could have grown to be a much more sizable problem, possibly burning down valuable pieces of infrastructure in San Clemente, including the local grocery store and nearby homes.
Events like this stand as an example for two things. One, an incredible display of bravery by the firefighters that will inspire the younger generations and those who hope to follow a similar career path. The second, however, is that it serves as a reminder that actions can have dire consequences, showing us that it is imperative to stay responsible and aware as to not cause potential disasters.
It is the job of the younger generation to preserve and take care of our environment to the best of our ability, something that can start with one simple action or choice.
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