The devastating news from California is that it has now become a danger zone due to the terrible wildfires that have surrounded them. The fires started in the summer of 2024, and over the past few weeks the Eaton and Palisades fire were the most destructive wildfires that would have burned a lot less hot in a world with no fossil fuel pollution. According to UCLA scientists, climate change can be blamed for about 25% of the fuel for the fires. Their report suggests the fires would have still likely occurred in a world with less climate pollution, it just would’ve been “smaller and less intense”.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires, the biggest wildfires California has ever had, have destroyed homes and people’s lives. the The Palisades fire spread so rapidly that it had destroyed about 6,380 structures and more than 10,000 houses. All that remains are the people’s memories and cherished mementos between the charred piles of wood, the burning smell of smoke, and debris. Tragically, there were people who lost their lives during the fires. At least 10 people have died, but officials say “they will not reveal the actual death toll until it’s safe for investigators to access neighborhoods”.

In addition to the immense human and environmental toll, these wildfires have also had a staggering effect on our economy. The financial impact of these wildfires is astonishing. AccuWeather reported that the primary estimates for the total damages and economic loss ranges between $250 million and $275 billion. These figures include the destruction of over 12,000 buildings, including more than 10,000 buildings destroyed in the Palisades fire alone, the immense financial burden of rebuilding has affected many communities. Industry analysts estimate that the insured property losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires range from $28 billion to $35 billion, marking these fires as some of the most destructive fires in Los Angeles history.
Reconstruction of these homes that were burned down face challenges such as high construction costs, shortage of skilled labor, and zoning laws. All of these reasons complicate and prolong the rebuilding process, plus the displacement of residents of these homes have likely increased the demand for affordable housing, limiting resources and making these people’s daily lives harder than they need to be.

The fires that began in the summer of 2024 and now continuing into this year has left a unfading mark on California, not just in terms of destruction of property loss, loss of life, but also in environmental factors and economic ramifications. These wildfires are a stark reminder on the urgent need to address climate change, rising temperatures, and extreme weather patterns continue to fuel the fires across the state. Rebuilding will take years of hard work and the scars on the communities will take even longer. Nevertheless, it is with the determination and participation with the locals and the government that California will find it’s hope.
Emmanuel joseph • Jan 29, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I’m so proud of you