Minnesotans in Los Angeles planning next steps as historic wildfires spread
MINNEAPOLIS — Several Minnesota natives are facing the firestorm in Los Angeles County, California.
"We just tried to do the best we could before the whole backyard burst into flames. We just had to get to safety," said storm chaser Tanner Charles on CBS Mornings. "These winds... I've never... it just felt apocalyptic."
With one Minnesotan's daring escape, another from St. Michael is ready to make hers.
"If it extends past the Beverly Hills and Bel Air area, our plan is to go down south about an hour inland," said Mallory Sackey, who lives in West Hollywood.
Sackey took videos of the inferno from her balcony.
"There's a lot of sirens going off and you can hear the helicopters. Even more than typical L.A.," said Sackey. "I think that's the part that's getting scary and concerning because now I can start smelling it."
Kateri Wozny from Maple Grove says she's safe at her home in Pasadena.
"I am concerned for my community and the residents that have lost their homes. They've been displaced and they have nowhere to go," said Wozny.
Back in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz posted a message of support on social media.
"Praying for our neighbors in California impacted by tragic wildfires and grateful to the brave first responders answering the call to a dangerous situation," said Walz. "Minnesota stands ready to help in any way we can on the long road to recovery."
Shannin Seeholzer, a native Californian living in Eden Prairie, encourages people to make that phone call.
"If you do have family and friends in the southern California area, see if you can help them directly or to someplace like the Red Cross," said Seeholzer.
The Red Cross has nine volunteers from the Minnesota and Dakotas region gearing up to help.
