So when a wildfire broke out not far from the family's home, they did not immediately evacuate. By 10:30am, however, they could see "smoke coming over the top of the hill", the 35-year-old said.
Oei was staying with his parents, and he knew the one main road out of their neighbourhood would be snarled with traffic after the first evacuation order. Soon, news reports showed long traffic jams as residents tried to flee, empty cars lining some roads as people gave up and continued on foot.
"I think a lot of people ignore the first call," he said. "You get stuck. Then you see people abandoning their cars."
Denne historien er fra January 09, 2025-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra January 09, 2025-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Chaos on two borders Migrants left in limbo after Trump kills key app
The train rumbled through the makeshift migrant camp in Mexico City, blaring its horn and sending people scattering to hug the wall. It passes through at 10am like clockwork, said the residents - almost all of whom have been planted there for months, waiting for the chance to request asylum in the US.
Ministers must hold the line on Thames Water. Administration would be better than a bailout
Make-your-mind-up time approaches for Thames Water. The directors may not have liked Ofwat's \"final determination\" last month - even though the regulator allowed bill increases of 35% over the next five years - but if they wish to dispute it, Thames is free to appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The deadline to do so is 18 February.
Knight's Onslaught in Rain in Vain as Australia Clinch Series
Australia have won the Ashes outright after sealing victory in the second Twenty20 international in Canberra yesterday in a controversial finish as England fought to complete a tight rain-affected run chase.
'Narrowing the gap' WSL B teams could join lower leagues as part of FA shakeup
Allowing B teams from Women's Super League and Championship clubs to play in the Women's National League has been put forward as part of plans to restructure tiers three to six of the English women's pyramid from the 2026-27 season.
'I feel like I can't get away from it' Families tell of lives left shattered
After the terror, the heartache and the unending grief - they shared their pain.
Sabalenka Overpowers Good Friend Badosa to Reach Third Straight Final
An increasingly comfortable Aryna Sabalenka powered into the final of the Australian Open by seeing off her good friend and the 11th seed, Paula Badosa, under the roof on Rod Laver Arena, as she continued her pursuit of a third straight title here.
Sainsbury's cuts 3,000 jobs as it shuts pizza counters and cafes
Sainsbury's is to cut 3,000 jobs in the UK through the closure of its hot food counters and cafes and by reducing senior management roles by a fifth, amid rising labour costs.
Woman not 'at fault' in divorce for refusing sex, says ECHR
Women should not be considered \"at fault\" by courts in the event of divorce for refusing to have sex with their husband, Europe's highest human rights court said yesterday, condemning a ruling in France.
EU trade chief says PM must decide if UK joins European customs deal
The EU's new trade chief has said the bloc could consider including the UK in a pan-European trade agreement, but emphasised that \"the ball is in the UK's court\".
Dykes keeps Blues on course in 'Hollywood derby' draw
If Wrexham v Birmingham was the alternative Battle of Britain last night, it certainly lived up to its billing as the League One promotion chasers played out the scrappiest of draws.
