Numerous fires demolish LA County communities
Los Angeles has long been an arid place, full of dry brush, making it particularly prone to wildfires. Each year, wildfires engulf open space and threaten structures, and each year they are worse than the last. On Jan. 7, the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire broke out within a few hours of each other, burning down neighborhoods and communities on opposite sides of LA.
Red flag wind events, where strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity combine to create ideal fire conditions, are the cause of many of Southern California’s wildfires. Months of drought left open spaces full of vegetation vulnerable to blazes. Fire conditions continued in parts of LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties through Jan.16.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the Palisades fire, which broke out just before 10:30 near the Temescal Ridge trail. Speculation includes a downed utility line or left over embers from the New Year’s Eve fire six days earlier.
Evacuation orders for Pacific Palisades came shortly after the fire’s start as it spread quickly down from the mountains toward the coastal community. The fire displaced thousands and destroyed 6,662 structures, leaving nine people dead.
The Eaton fire similarly devastated the eastern Los Angeles community of Altadena, spreading down from the San Gabriel Mountains. Here, the death toll is at sixteen, and around 9,300 structures have been reduced to rubble.
In addition to these larger fires, several smaller ones popped up in the days following. The Kenneth fire burned 1000 acres in Hidden Hills and Calabasas, the Hurst fire was an 800-acre fire in San Fernando, and the Sunset fire spread through open space in West Hollywood, before being contained at 42 acres.
Post-tragedy, the LA community is coming together to provide food, clothing and shelter for those who have lost everything. Donation centers and food kitchens have popped up across Los Angeles county, collecting non-perishables and serving warm meals to first responders and those who lost their homes.
As winds blow through Southern California, power outages and fires continue to affect residents. Most recently, the 50-acre Laguna Fire evacuated Cal State Channel Islands and closed Potrero road, and the Hughes Fire broke out near Castaic Lake, affecting air quality across Ventura County. Fire conditions persisting this winter leave communities uncertain where the next one will hit.
