Wildfires are ruining parts of Los Angeles, claiming at least five lives, destroying hundreds of buildings, and forcing nearly 180,000 residents to evacuate. Despite ongoing firefighting efforts, the largest blazes remain uncontained, with weather conditions and climate change expected to keep the fires burning for days.

Over 179,000 people are under evacuation orders due to wildfires, with another 200,000 on alert. The Pacific Palisades fire has killed two people, and the Eaton fire’s death toll is three. Looting has led to 20 arrests.

A new fire, the Kenneth fire, broke out in West Hills, and a suspect was arrested for arson. The cause of the other fires is still under investigation.

The Pacific Palisades fire has destroyed 5,300 buildings, and the Eaton fire has wiped out 5,000. Celebrities like Leighton Meester and Paris Hilton have lost their homes. Insurance losses could exceed $8 billion.

The fire risk is still high, with no rain expected for at least a week. Power outages, traffic jams, and school closures have added to the chaos. There's also controversy over firefighters’ water supply, though officials have said the issue is now resolved.

How the fire started 

The wildfire broke out on the morning of January 8 and quickly grew out of control, catching many residents by surprise. Southern California was already experiencing intense Santa Ana winds, which forecasters warned could be the worst windstorm in a decade.

These winds, gusting up to 100 miles per hour, have fueled the flames, spreading the fire across nearly 2 square miles (over 5 square kilometres) of land in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.

The fire threatens homes with multimillion-dollar populations in the Santa Monica Mountains. Firefighters have had to utilize bulldozers to remove abandoned vehicles from roads, which include luxury cars such as BMW, Teslas, and Mercedes, as they clear the route for themselves.

Cause of fire at this time of the year 

Science News has said that unusually dry conditions and powerful, hurricane-force seasonal winds are exacerbating the wildfires in Southern California. While the typical wildfire season runs from May to October, rising temperatures and a decline in rainfall have extended the fire threat throughout the year. In some regions, wildfires are now seen as a year-round danger.

California Governor Gavin Newsom pointed out the changing reality, stating, “November, December, now January there’s no fire season; it’s fire year,” emphasizing the growing and persistent wildfire risk.

Areas affected by wildfire

As of Thursday, California fire officials report at least five active fires in the region:

  • Palisades: The largest fire, burning nearly 20,000 acres, including the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. It is 6% contained.
  • Eaton: This fire, affecting northern LA, has burned nearly 14,000 acres and is 0% contained.
  • Hurst: North of San Fernando, this fire has spread to 670 acres, but containment efforts are underway.
  • Lidia: In the Acton area, this fire has grown to 350 acres and is 60% contained.
  • Kenneth: A new fire near the LA-Ventura county border, covering nearly 1,000 acres.

How government responded 

After a devastating wildfire, Acting Mayor and City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson declared a state of emergency. The fire caused widespread power outages, leaving around 28,300 homes without electricity, and forced the evacuation of several schools. 

President Joe Biden, already in Los Angeles for a different announcement, approved federal aid to support California's firefighting efforts, a move confirmed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This federal assistance contrasts with former President Donald Trump's past threats to withhold wildfire aid due to California's Democratic leadership.