Only a few weeks into 2025, and we have already seen our first big tragedy of the year. Just months ago, California suffered one of the most devastating wildfires in state history. As a result of arson, the Park Fire destroyed 429,603 acres of land across the West Coast according to Cal Fire, and now the Palisade and Eaton fires are threatening the lives of thousands along with many key landmarks in the Los Angeles area. Firefighters all over the state have been attempting to contain the fires but the high winds and lack of water have caused major troubles in extinguishing the flames, unfortunately leading to 27 deaths as of now. With the fires going on every minute, here’s what you need to know about the situation, along with how global warming is affecting the case as well. 

Every fire has been reported on by Cal Fire, and currently, four fires are going on around California, with half being nearly controlled. Those being the Auto Fire in Oxnard and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar are at 85 and 98 percent containment respectively. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported from either one, and combined they have burnt less than 1,000 acres of land. On the other hand, the Palisades and Eaton Fires have enforced serious harm, with the damages being very evident as the aftermath continues to unfold.

The initial spread of the Palisades Fire sent panic to many residents living in Los Angeles County as the flames engulfed the California coastline and hillside at rapid rates. Throughout the day it started, it had already grown to massive proportions, with it currently being at 23,713 acres. Along with many other communities, the fire also destroyed the Pacific Palisades, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the state as it is home to many celebrities living in the area. Over the past few days, the blaze has been encroaching on the cities of Malibu and Santa Monica, but with 63 percent containment, firefighters have been trying to prevent that from happening. Just a few hours later, another devastating fire started. Located around Altadena and Pasadena, the Eaton Fire has torched 14,021 acres of land so far, but just recently firefighters were able to reach 87 percent containment for the fire as they try to halt its progress. When compared to the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire is smaller in size. Still, despite this difference, it has sadly taken the most lives out of any of the fires at 17, with the remaining 10 casualties belonging to the Palisades Fire, just 32 miles west according to NBC. While both fires started on the same day, their causes are still under investigation. Still, reports from the BBC speculate that it was a result of lightning, with arson and damaged utility lines being probable sources as well. 

A large part of why the fires were so dangerous was because of natural effects. But how does climate change have an impact on the whole situation? Well, for some time now California has constantly been struggling with dry seasons. Just last year, the “Golden State” endured its third hottest summer in state history according to the Los Angeles Times. A key reason for the humidity is due to the severe absence of rainfall within the southern region. In the last three months of 2024, Los Angeles County only received 0.03 inches of precipitation compared to the 3.5 inches of rain the area usually receives around that period. This is very bad for the environment because, without proper moisture, vegetation ends up drying out, making plant life more susceptible to burning up. The lack of rain has also affected many rivers, lakes, and water reservoirs as well. Another factor that has hindered California has been the strong gusts of the Santa Ana winds. According to another Los Angeles Times article, these gale force winds are native to the West Coast and created as a result of high pressure and dry environments, such as the Mojave Desert in Nevada. Once formed these winds move towards lower pressure areas, like the California coastline, where the air compresses and accelerates as it passes through mountain ranges. This causes the winds to reach upwards of 50 to 100 miles per hour, allowing for major destruction. Along with this, the dryness of these winds can spread and also create fires. Climate change can be attributed as the cause of all these events because of how it can drastically change the length, effect, and intensity of many of these weather conditions. With how hot the Earth is getting, more and more dry areas are creating, affecting our vegetation, water bodies, and winds as result, creating more environmental issues. 

At the moment, there is no timeframe for when the fires can be put out, but hopefully, it will be soon because upwards of 15,000 structures have been destroyed, and thousands of people have been evacuated as a result. As the people and government of California are still navigating this crisis, a report from AccuWeather has estimated that the fires will cause total damages amounting to $250 to $275 billion, which means it could take years for California to fully repair the communities and buildings lost. With the fire still going on, we should thank the brave firefighters and emergency responders who have risked their lives to save thousands.

If you want to know more about the fires, you should go to Cal Fire to learn more about the situation.