Millions of residents in Los Angeles County and beyond received a mistaken evacuation order via text message and alarm on Thursday afternoon, causing widespread panic. The message, meant for residents near the Kenneth Fire, was instead sent to nearly 10 million people. Officials clarified that the warning was only intended for those in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, and West Hills. The false alert added to the anxiety and distress already felt by many in the area due to destructive wildfires that have forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate and resulted in at least six deaths. Some residents expressed frustration on social media, highlighting the added stress caused by the erroneous message during an already stressful time. Officials apologized for the mistake and emphasized their commitment to sharing accurate information with the public. Despite the error, authorities continue to work to keep residents informed and safe as they navigate the ongoing threat of wildfires in the region.
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