Arnavaz Fatemi
Standing in Parking Lot 7 and looking out towards the mountains, other than the massive amounts of black smoke, flames were visible and raging. Once again, Southern California is experiencing an out of control brush fire. As thousands of people had to evacuate so did their horses. More and more equestrian centers were becoming full, people who were evacuating their horses staring bringing them to Pierce College. Even though construction was still going on, the equestrian center still brought horses to the stables. Although only as an observer, one could see in how much of a hurry people of the equestrian center were unloading the horses and trying to send the frantic owners on their way. There were also students who were helping conduct traffic at the De Soto entrance for leaving students and people arriving with trailers. While on the other side of campus there were frantic students trying to hurry to class to prevent breathing in the smoke as much as possible and trying to avoid the gusts of wind. According to Beth Benne, Director of the Student Health Center, there are a few ways to stay safe and prevent breathing problems due to the smoke. The best thing to do, according to Benne, is to stay indoors and not exercise outside. Anyone with asthma should always have their inhaler on them and if they experience severe breathing problems to go to the hospital or call 911. One should be keeping hydrated with water and close all windows and doors. If you have to be outside, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or a mask. And if you park on the hill because you have a class on the hill but after have a class near the mall, it’d be best to drive to two separate parking lots to prevent excessive walking right now. “We’re actually surprised on how we’re doing. Not many students have come in because of breathing problems. Only students who had existing upper respiratory infections that were made worse by the wind and smoke,” said Benne. Evacuation centers according to the Los Angeles Times are Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, San Fernando High School in San Fernando, El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills and Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth. Also, the equestrian center at Pierce is full according to the LA Times. If someone is still evacuating horses and livestock the Ventura County Fairgrounds are taking them.