Los Angeles residents woke on January 7th to see a world engulfed in relentless, all-consuming flames. California is known for its wildfires and the state’s dry climate and vegetation, brought on by now-common drought conditions, make perfect kindling for fires to rapidly spread over large swaths of land. The January 7th wildfires, raging for nearly a month, have caused a great deal of destruction, even as firefighters and relief teams worked tirelessly to extinguish them.
Wildfires are usually caused by human interaction with nature, such as campfires, unattended cigarettes, or burning trash. However, the cause of the Los Angeles fires is unknown. Experts have confirmed that these California blazes have worsened and continued due to troublesome Santa Ana winds, which “bring dry air from the Great Basin area of the West into Southern California.”
The first devastating fire started in Pacific Palisades, an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood. Next, the Eaton Fire erupted “near a canyon in the sprawling national forest lands north of downtown Los Angeles,” according to NBC News. More recently, the Lilac and Pala fires broke out on January 21st in San Diego County.
Where fires burn, damage quickly follows. The fires have collectively burned over 40,000 acres of land, scorching both land and infrastructure alike. Nearly 200,000 people were forced to evacuate, and 28 people have died since the fires started. When people returned to their homes, many were met with charred remnants or piles of rubble. Over 10,000 homes and about 12,000 structures were destroyed, costing insurers $30 billion.
The fires have also harmed beloved pets and native wildlife. As the fires continue, many wildlife species have been displaced, forced to leave their habitats or endure the flames. A Pasadena animal shelter reportedly took in around 300 animals, some of whom have suffered severe burns.
Losing an animal who has frantically fled in the chaos of the fires can be devastating to pet owners. Palisades resident Casey Colvin was among the many who returned to their devastated homes to search for their pets. After 5 days, fire department chief Brent Pascua rescued both of Colvin’s dogs, Tika Tika and Oreo. Colvin joyfully reunited with his dogs and thanked the chief for his service.
However, not all fire stories have happy endings. The California fires destroyed many historical and cultural landmarks, including Palisades Charter High School, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, Theater Palisades, and actor Will Rogers' ranch house.
Although most of the fires are now contained or are in the process of being contained, California continues to mourn its numerous losses and start the arduous rebuilding and relocation processes.
If you are able, please consider donating to one or more of the following organizations:
California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief