Devastating fires have blazed through Los Angeles, impacting the cities of Palisades, Hurst, Eaton, Woodley, and Hollywood Hills. The Los Angeles Times reports that 28 people have been killed due to the fires as of January 27. Moreover, NBC News writes that more than 100,000 residents have been issued evacuation orders, but many have lost their homes and property in this dire time, with the Palisades fire alone destroying 1,000 structures. The direct cause of the fire has not been confirmed, however, the fires exploded in coverage due to hurricane-level winds and dry conditions. 

The prime reason the fires spread enormously is high-speed winds. Los Angeles Fire Captain speaks to the Los Angeles Times discussing the dire conditions, “The fire is being fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and its rounding topography which makes it extremely challenging for us firefighters to really get a handle on it.” Firefighters in the Palisades had difficulty battling flames, as many fire hydrants lacked water. In another interview with Palisades Village Mall developer Rick Caruso says, “There’s no water in the fire hydrants, the firefighters are there [in the neighborhood], and there’s nothing they can do — we’ve got neighborhoods burning, homes burning, and businesses burning. … It should never happen.” L.A. council member Traci Park echoed this sentiment, blaming the lack of funding on the sparse water supply in the fire hydrants: “The chronic under-investment in the city of Los Angeles in our public infrastructure and our public safety partners was evident and on full display over the last 24 hours.” Notably, LA Mayor Karen Bass is under fire for cutting the Fire Department funding by $17.6 million a few months before the disaster. 

Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua further adds to ABC News that the safety of L.A. residents is their utmost priority: “We’re trying to get everyone away, that way we do not have anyone hurt or killed.” He advises residents, “If it’s a thought, I’d say do it. The earlier the better.” President of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, Sue Kohl, discussed how difficult it is to navigate the Palisades landscape: “Palisades has only one way in and one way out.” She further added that people had to abandon their cars and leave on foot, causing a lot of panic. When speaking of the devastation in her town in the Palisades, she says “I’ve been getting text messages all night, the majority of the town is pretty much gone. Churches, schools, restaurants, stores, and hundreds and hundreds of homes.” Kai Cranm, who narrowly escaped the fires spoke to On Demand News about his experience: “We turned around and there was a plume of smoke just like rolling over the mountain like right behind us it was probably only about 50 feet away from us… it was terrifying.” He said, “[It] feels like you’re running for your life in a situation like that.”

In addition, fire insurance may pose a looming threat of the inability to cover insurance for those who have lost their homes. CalMatters writes that due to the high value and wealthy demographic of L.A. homes, insurance companies may be unable to cover the damage costs due to the high volume of burned properties. This increases insurance companies’ unwillingness to write policies in California. Furthermore, The New York Times states, “With over 13,000 homes at risk, the losses from the Los Angeles wildfires could approach $10 billion, according to preliminary estimates by J.P. Morgan.” Further, it adds that “the financial devastation threatens to upend an insurance market that is already under profound financial strain.” 

As for the government response, the L.A. Times reports that former President Biden at a Santa Monica fire station said, “We’re prepared to do anything and everything for as long as it takes to contain these fires.” President Donald Trump took to his social media site Trump Social to discuss the “incompetence” of Governor Newsom and President Biden. “Now the ultimate price is being paid,” Trump said. “I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA!”

The L.A. fires have impacted hundreds of communities, displacing and killing many. One can hope that the safety of the victims who have lost their properties can be supported and that first responders can fully contain and reduce the destruction these fires have caused. If you wish to support victims of the fires, The New York Times has listed several non-profits you can donate to to help in this dire situation.