Nearly 10 million LA residents received false evacuation alerts, causing panic amid wildfires. Officials admit error in emergency notification system.
False Evacuation Notice Accidentally Distributed to Almost 10 Million Residents in Greater Los Angeles Region
A mistaken evacuation notice and emergency alarm were erroneously transmitted to mobile devices across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas on Thursday afternoon. Officials have confirmed this widespread notification was distributed by mistake.
The emergency text notification was distributed to millions of recipients around 4 p.m. PT, reaching individuals in locations far removed from the active wildfire zones.
"An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued in your area," stated the emergency message, which was accompanied by a loud alert tone.
A subsequent message followed the initial alert, instructing recipients to ignore the previous warning and clarifying that it was intended exclusively for those in proximity to the Kenneth Fire — a newly emerged brush fire that started Thursday afternoon.
"This alert was meant specifically for inhabitants of Calabasas and Agoura Hills, and those residing in Los Angeles's West Hills district," stated Kevin McGowan, who heads the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, in an official release.
The alert was inadvertently transmitted to approximately 10 million individuals, according to McGowan.
"We recognize these wildfires have generated significant concern, difficulty, and anxiety among our community members, and we are dedicated to providing precise information," he noted in the statement.
During a period when numerous residents throughout the greater Los Angeles region are already experiencing heightened concern and apprehension regarding fires that have consumed dozens of thousands of acres and destroyed complete communities, the incorrect alert likely triggered additional alarm and distress.
Various recipients expressed their discontent on social platforms.
"Our whole neighborhood received an evacuation Amber alert, which we later learned was intended for West Hills, not Beverly Hills," one individual posted on X. "Really? Like we're not already sufficiently stressed out."
"I received an evacuation alert on my phone in DTLA regarding a fire located over 20 miles away," another X user commented. "These minor technological mistakes are only going to amplify the situation."
Approximately 180,000 individuals have been required to leave their homes due to the ongoing wildfire situation. While at least six fatalities have been confirmed, authorities indicate the final count remains undetermined.