More than three weeks of ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have caused at least 28 billion USD in insured damages. At least 28 people died in the blazes, and tens of thousands of people evacuated their homes. Although some fires are contained, new fires are emerging in Southern California.
The primary fires in Los Angeles are the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire. The first report of the Palisades fire was on the morning of Jan. 7. The Santa Ana winds that blow from the inland to the coast spread the fire rapidly. The fire destroyed thousands of structures and killed 11 people. It has consumed more than 23,400 acres of land, which is approximately equivalent to the size of 13,000 soccer fields. This disaster was even more catastrophic for the residents since many were not signed up for insurance for wildfires.
The situation is similar to the Eaton fire. The fire started on the same day as the Palisades but on the other side of the city. Since then, it has destroyed and damaged more than 10,000 structures and killed 17 lives, as well as burning 14,000 acres.
The causes of fires are still under investigation. There were several reports of fires before the Palisades fire, yet the small fires were fully contained. The burned areas can reignite, but whether it caused the massive fire remains unclear. Similarly, the cause of the Eaton fire remains unknown. Although there are multiple lawsuits regarding the fire starting from utility towers of Southern California Edison, nothing is clear. Nevertheless, experts say that climate change has played a role. Climate change made the region heated and dry, leaving grass and shrubs more vulnerable to burning. As a result, it increased the risk and size of fire.
A newly devastating fire was reported on the morning of Jan. 22 near Lake Hughes Road in northern Los Angeles County. Fueled by the Santa Ana winds, it has already burned a minimum of 10,000 acres. Approximately 31,000 residents are under evacuation orders, and another 23,000 are under evacuation warnings.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction, claiming lives, displacing thousands, and causing billions in damages. As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blazes, new fires emerge. These fires serve as yet another alarming reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change and the urgent need for better preparedness strategies.
