By Sydney Armstrong
Wildfires have spread rapidly through Los Angeles since Jan. 7, forcing thousands of residents to abandon their homes and find safety. The fires have scorched over 40,588 acres; as a result, more than two dozen people have died, and that number is expected to rise.
California Governor Gavin Newsom exclaimed that this is one of the worst natural disasters in US history in terms of cost alone, stating that climate change has played an undeniable role in the frequency of such fires.
Experts attest that climate change has played a significant factor in the fires. The increased temperature, dry atmosphere, and drought have primed the area for wildfires.
California is currently under severe drought conditions. According to NASA soil moisture is at a historical low of 2% (exceptional drought) for this time of the year. Once a fire sparks in these conditions it has the perfect environment to grow and become fatal.
This is a result of the worsening climate change crisis. Many citizens, especially younger generations, are scared for the future. Delta College student Mckenna Brown voiced their concerns.
“Oh my gosh, it’s happening again. It seems like there have been so many recently and seeing how bad they got so quickly,” McKenna continued. “I have a friend in California who lives outside of LA, they haven’t been evacuated yet, but it’s an extremely scary situation.” McKenna’s words depict the urgency of immediate action to combat the effects of climate change.
California’s rising temperatures have caused vegetation to dry out and become more likely to catch fire. As the climate escalates, and the land gets dryer, the frequency of fires is expected to rise.
California is also facing a water infrastructure crisis. The fires are draining the water tanks faster than they can refill. This causes water use on fires to be inconsistent and ineffective as the water pressure levels are not at full capacity.
The fires have already depleted most drinkable water resources in its regions. Many Los Angeles County officials have advised citizens to not drink tap water as untreated wastewater from the fires can back up into the main water sources. The ash from the fires can also contaminate clean water resources with harsh chemicals.
As for the fires, there have been four in total: the Hurst fire, the Eaton fire, the Auto fire and the most destructive, the Palisades fire.
All of these are said to have started from a brush fire which commonly occurs when utility lines spark or lightning strikes igniting dry vegetation. They can also start by lighting fireworks. In the case of Los Angeles, it is alleged that the fires were caused by electrical equipment. Investigations are underway.
Neighboring countries Canada and Mexico have sent firefighters and disaster relief workers to assist the California Fire departments in combating the wildfires. The biggest concern is to evacuate citizens safely and contain as many fires as possible.
Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, and the League of California Community Foundations are providing safe places for victims to stay, healthcare supplies, food and emotional support. The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is accepting donations to equip firefighters with the correct tools and supplies to combat the fires. The California Fire Foundation is accepting funds to directly support firefighters and their families who have been impacted by the fires.
