Tree-emergency calls top 2,000 across Los Angeles
There have been more than 2,000 tree-emergency-related calls around Los Angeles during this latest winter storm, with 30 crews from the Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) responding. Soil saturation from the recent winter storm is a factor in many of the trees toppling over.
Their priority is to clear roads so that emergency crews and traffic can get through. Clearing all of the debris is likely to take days, according to the bureau. Residents are urged to be careful around downed trees.
"It's the biggest thing when the power's out. Usually a lot of people come out. It's best to stay in your home, let Water and Power come out, make it safe," said StreetsLA worker Jose Gonzalez.
Multiple trees were uprooted Monday night and Tuesday morning across the L.A. area, including a large eucalyptus that landed on power lines in the Brentwood area, and another that crushed a car in Mid-Wilshire.
A large tree fell overnight and crashed onto a Toyota Camry on Burnside Ave. just north of Pico Blvd. in the Mid-Wilshire area.
A man sitting in the front seat of the car got some help from a Good Samaritan.
"He was on the passenger side, and then he had enough chance to get out of the window, so I pulled him out with his dog, a little Chihuahua," said Good Samaritan Oscar Montes.
A crew arrived around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday to begin removing the large tree, which was blocking Burnside.
Another tree went down in the Brentwood area overnight Tuesday, bringing down a power line and causing a power outage. Montana Avenue was closed between Centinela Avenue and Bristol Avenue/Franklin Street early Tuesday due to the massive eucalyptus tree blocking the roadway.
Crews were also on scene clearing a large Chinese Oak tree in Valley Village that fell onto a garage and several cars on Friday.
