On Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, natural causes started fires around Los Angeles. The first big fire is now called the Palisades Fire. It originated near Topanga State Park and has now spread further into the forest and the city, particularly near Malibu. The second big fire is now called the Eaton Fire. This originated near Altadena. Over the past few days, the Eaton fire has spread more into the forest but has also made its way into the city. 

These fires have started around Los Angeles due to natural causes. Since October, there has been little to no rain in LA. These prolonged hot conditions have provoked small fires, mostly in the forest. Recently, there have also been really strong winds, which have carried out the fires and have made them spread towards the city of LA. California governor Gavin Newsom has claimed responsibility for LA’s struggling water supply. This has been cited as one of the reasons the fires have lasted so long. Just before the fires started LA Mayor Karen Bass had reduced the city’s fire department’s budget. This makes it even harder for the LA fire department to fight against the fires.

Fueled by the Santa Ana winds, this fire had a major impact not only on citizens’ lives and the environment of California but also on Hollywood businesses. Overall the fires surrounding this state have damaged more than 12,000 structures and put around 300,000 people on evacuation orders causing them to lose all of their belongings. Thousands of people have reached out on social platforms to address the miserable situation, one of the many Los Angeles residents, Jacob Tsui,  has shared their current situation with the public: “We were in the evacuation zone. Left the house late last Tuesday night. Got back late Friday. Fires got real close when we left. Was a crazy week.” Fortunately for Jacob his home was not affected by the fires. Many of his neighbors, however, were not as lucky. 

As the fires have slowly resided the mayor of Los Angeles has declared a state emergency, insisting that the catastrophe is not over yet. “Everyone needs to be on high alert,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Monday. Bass declared the fire contained but insisted that certain residential areas would be off-limits due to looting.  People in need of food and shelter are being sent to downtown Los Angeles where relief efforts and volunteer groups are pitching in twenty-four hours a day. “It’s too early to talk about rebuilding,” Bass commented, “Let’s just be alive.”

To donate visit www.redcross.org.