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Since the devastating Greater Los Angeles fires began, numerous misconceptions about firefighting methods have circulated online, spreading rapidly through social media channels.
Among these viral claims is a peculiar story suggesting that firefighters, lacking proper equipment, have turned to using water-filled handbags to combat the flames.
A widely shared video clip appears to support this unusual claim, showing what some viewers interpreted as firefighters using purses to extinguish a blaze.
Not a joke…Firefighters are using handbags to put out the LA Fires.
WEF-UN DEI policies costs lives. pic.twitter.com/jTDRPZO8NA
— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10) January 9, 2025
The poor quality of the footage contributed to this misinterpretation, making it difficult for viewers to clearly identify the equipment being used.
While the viral footage might suggest firefighters wielding handbags at first viewing, a more detailed examination reveals a different story.
The Los Angeles Fire Department provided clarification to TMZ, explaining the true nature of the equipment seen in the footage.
What viewers mistook for purses are actually specialized canvas bags, standard firefighting equipment used for specific situations.
These canvas containers serve as efficient tools for managing smaller fires, such as the dumpster blaze shown in the circulated video.
When dealing with minor fires, efficiency is crucial for first responders.
Here’s a video that at first glance one might think is a joke — or a commercial for the durability and practicality of a designer handbag. 👜
But no — this is an authentic video of firefighters using handbags 👜 — not hoses — to extinguish the Los Angeles fires. 🔥
Can anyone… pic.twitter.com/QCeCwMZXvt
— Carolyn Grace⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@RousingRevel) January 9, 2025
The canvas bags often prove more practical and quick to deploy than traditional fire hoses when tackling contained blazes.
Meanwhile, the region continues to battle major blazes, with the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires remaining uncontained as of Saturday, according to the New York Post.
The devastating impact of these fires has resulted in 13 fatalities and forced approximately 200,000 residents to evacuate their homes since Tuesday.
The destruction has been extensive, with 10,000 structures reduced to ashes across 35,000 acres of scorched land.