LA wildfires claim lives, billions in environmental damages
Wildfires blazing throughout the Los Angeles area have killed at least 28 people, destroyed over 12,000 buildings, and, according to NBC News, placed nearly 200,000 people under evacuation order at their height. With a combined area larger than Manhattan, the six fires have caused over $200 billion in estimated damage and burned more than 40,000 acres. The fires, which were sparked with the Palisades fire, likely to be one of the most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history, began on January 7 and resisted containment for several weeks.
As communities struggle to cope with the destruction caused by the fires, local leaders, like Representative Ted Lieu of California’s 36th Congressional district, have expressed their sympathy and solidarity with those affected. Lieu came out with a statement wishing nothing but the best for those affected.
“My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires raging in the greater Los Angeles area,” he said. “I am eternally grateful for the bravery of our first responders who are doing everything in their power to contain these fires, save lives and protect property.”
The cause of the wildfires is still unknown, as arson, the rekindling of earlier fires related to a New Year’s fireworks display, and utility equipment are being proposed as possible sources. Whatever the cause, a combination of strong winds and little rain created perfect conditions for the fires to start and hampered efforts to contain the destruction. Los Angeles and most of southern California have been in a drought and seen less than ten percent of the area’s average rainfall since October. Environmental Science teacher John Reiland explained that the fires have likely been exacerbated by drought and other severe climate conditions in Southern California.
“Causes could relate to how dry it's been,” he said. “I mean, with plant life drying out from rains earlier drying up, that just leaves more fuel for the fire.”
The dry conditions were accompanied by gusts of up to 70 mph from the Santa Ana Winds, which a few days before the fires began going across L.A. These winds fed the fire oxygen and spread the embers, letting the blaze grow faster and spread farther.
The wildfires came after a large cut in the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget last July. This new budget cut brought down the fire department’s expenditures to $17.6 million, marking the second largest budget cut in recent years. These budget cuts affected the LAFD’s ability to contain the fires, and there were fewer firefighters and fire stations to respond to the growing scene. In an interview with Fox 11, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said that funding is a missing puzzle piece to effectively facing the growing flames.
“I want to focus on what the LAFD needs, what I need as a fire chief and what our people need to do their jobs. I want to make sure that we can save lives and that we can protect property to the greatest capacity,” she said. “But we need to be funded appropriately. That’s where my head is.”
During the fires, there were multiple efforts from individuals, sports teams, nonprofit groups, and corporations to support the victims and first responders. Large companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Verizon have donated millions of dollars to the cause, as have big names like Beyoncé and Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation. Other countries including Ukraine, Canada, Iran, and Mexico have chipped in as well, sending financial aid and fire fighters to control the blaze.
by Landen Mowry
Published February 3rd, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue IV