As wildfires continue to blaze for the third day in parts of Los Angeles, now expanded to the Hollywood Hills, multiple neighborhoods have been evacuated for public safety. On Thursday afternoon, however, a wildfire evacuation alert was accidentally dispatched to all residents in Los Angeles County, which has a population exceeding 9 million.
“An evacuation order for individuals near the Kenneth Fire, which is currently affecting West Hills, was mistakenly broadcast Countywide,” the official LA County account explained in a post on X. “This notification was only meant for the residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills.”
Many residents across Los Angeles reported on social media that they received this emergency alert around 4 p.m. PT, despite being located far from any active wildfires. The notification even interrupted a live segment on Fox LA, confusing the meteorologist on duty.
According to LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, the widespread smartphone notification was sent “due to a technical glitch,” and she indicated in a post on X that a correction would be provided soon.
Mobile device manufacturers enable government officials to send urgent push notifications according to users’ locations, a crucial feature for California residents amid wildfires. Nevertheless, such mistakes can create unnecessary anxiety in an already tense atmosphere.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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