United News of Bangladesh

Three members of the same family, including a woman, were seriously injured in a fire caused by a gas leak from an air conditioner in their home in the Narinda area of the capital early Friday morning. The victims were identified as Moktar Bepari, 55, Selina Akhter, 45, and Mohammad Selim, 33. Assistant Professor Dr. Shaon Bin Rahman, resident physician at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said the three were brought to the hospital at around 1:00am with burn injuries. Moktar Bepari suffered burns over 22 percent of his body, Selina Akhter 20 percent, and Mohammad Selim 100 percent. Selim’s condition is critical. Local sources said several AC gas cylinders were stored in the house, which is part of a five-storey building. The explosion occurred on the second floor, causing a wall to collapse and a tin sheet to fall.  Residents later recovered multiple AC gas cylinders from the building.  

For Irina Contreras, outdoor education served as a lifeline during the pandemic, offering solace for her and her 7-year-old daughter, Ceiba. However, the recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have destroyed much of this refuge. Ceiba, a member of the kids’ adventure group Hawks, attended Matilija, a bilingual forest school where children engaged in outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and swimming. Among her favorite spots was Eaton Canyon Nature Area, a 190-acre preserve near Altadena, which has now been reduced to ashes. LA wildfire death toll rises as crews fight strong winds to protect homes, landmarks These fires have inflicted a heavy toll on families like Contreras’. Beyond the loss of lives and homes, they mourn the destruction of natural and educational sanctuaries. These spaces, vital for public and private schools, nature-based preschools, and community groups, served as both learning hubs and retreats. Schools have also suffered, including Odyssey Charter School in Altadena, attended by the children of Miguel Ordeñana, a community science manager at the Natural History Museum. Sharing the news with his children has been a challenge, especially as many of their friends and teachers have lost homes. Poor air quality has rendered some unaffected areas unusable. Griffith Park, known for the Hollywood sign, remains inaccessible despite being spared by the fires. Meanwhile, schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Pasadena Unified School District have closed, with some campuses sustaining damage. Over 300 schools across several counties were shut down, and it’s unclear when they will reopen. During the pandemic, Contreras found respite in nature as she stepped away from her busy routine. Though she is hopeful outdoor programs will eventually resume, safety concerns linger for areas like Eaton Canyon, where much of the natural habitat has been destroyed. Ukraine claims to have captured 2 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia Richard Smart, superintendent of the Eaton Canyon Natural Area, described the devastation as “indescribable.” The park, a popular field trip destination, was a cornerstone for local schools. Its loss has left the community grappling with uncertainty about future outdoor education opportunities. Experts like Lila Higgins, a senior manager at the Natural History Museum, emphasize the importance of nature in children’s development, noting its benefits for cognitive and emotional health. While rebuilding efforts are anticipated, it may take years before these areas can again serve as educational and recreational spaces. “This is the reality of modern Southern California,” said Greg Pauly, co-author of Wild L.A.. “Fire dramatically alters both landscapes and lives.”