The LA fires have led to severe losses and destruction, so much so that people have been desperate for help.
Google Maps showed satellite live photos near the Union Pacific railroad yard at E Cesar Chavez Ave and Mission Rd intersection of multiple “Help” and “Trafico” signs written with debris. People have been debating the meaning behind these messages.
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The signs have led to widespread concern
The signs are located near a shipping port in Los Angeles, which has led to countless theories and speculations. Some believe that it’s a mere prank, while others believe that it could be related to human trafficking due to the location.
Moreover, some think that it’s a cry for help from the fires while others feel that it’s a protest against displacement or homeless individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
Not the first cry for “help”
A person tweeted on X (formerly Twitter): “In Feb 2023 from the other lane you can even see the billboard has written HELP on it and a LA County van riding past it.”
The sign is located off the 101 freeway embankment near the LAPD helicopter station.
The human trafficking theory
A user wrote on X: “This looks like a desperate cry for help, possibly a human trafficking victim trying to send a message. We need to investigate this immediately and bring attention to it,” in support of the fact that this might be a human trafficking case.
Not all people believed in this theory
Another user said: “I seriously doubt people that were being trafficked they’d be able to make those without getting caught by the traffickers and then totally unnoticed it until we did via Google maps then still leave it there,” expressing their skepticism about the human trafficking theory.
Police are fighting trafficking
Federal and local authorities have concentrated all their efforts on combatting human trafficking, particularly along South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.
Traffickers frequently prey on vulnerable individuals as young as 11 years old. In addition, they have rescued as many as 84 victims in the region.
Visitors to the area were asked to leave
People, including the FaZe Boys, visited the Google Maps location that spelled help in real life and surprisingly found drones flying in the area. Furthermore, the boys were asked to leave the area, which was very suspicious.
Could it be art?
Some speculate that the multiple “help” and “trafico” written could be a piece of art or a form of protest.
A lot of effort is put into forming such words out of fire debris, thus, many wonder whether it’s an organized protest or a symbolic cry for help.
People blame Gavin Newsome’s leadership
One user said: “Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass are responsible! People are suffering because of their incompetence. Newsom and Bass must resign immediately!”
Another added: “Gavin Newsom’s leadership keeps reaching new lows. This is why you need the rule of law,” blaming the California governor.
The LA fires
It all started on January 7 with wildfires and fierce winds blowing the fires across LA. There was the Palisades fire, the most destructive blaze of them, which killed 11 people in its wake and is 90% contained now.
There was also the Eaton fire which took 16 lives and is 98% contained now.
People haven’t reached a solid answer
People are still debating the significance of these writings on X and Reddit as they have no conclusive answer. These findings shed light on LA’s struggles whether it be because of the fires or because of human trafficking.
