Recently, wildfires have been going through southern California, specifically Los Angeles. Causing the destruction of many homes and endangering many lives. NBCLA reports: “Flames have destroyed at least 14,362 structures, including homes and businesses.” Additionally, the death toll is at least 29 people with other deaths being investigated.

The fires started on January 6 or 2025, and were amplified because of a windstorm in Santa Ana. The real cause of the fires are still unknown, but many citizens are pointing fingers. They suspect powerline companies, arsonists, or even smaller fires that weren’t stomped out enough. The first sighting of the fire is on a video from Mr. Kai Cranmore on the hiking trail of Temescal Canyon. Another theory is that there was a small fire on January 1. This fire might not have been fully extinguished and reignited by the windstorm, but Fire Chief Anthony Marrone dissolved these theories based on the fact that a fore couldn’t reignite after, almost, a week. He is in favor of the arson theory; he states: “We had numerous fires in the L.A. County region almost simultaneously, which leads us to believe that these fires were intentionally set by a person.”

Recently, rain has been falling in Los Angeles, which has given them some relief, but it has also caused new dangers. This rain was very much needed as relief for the firefighters. As a result, NPR states: “officials are warning residents of hazardous waste, toxic ash runoff and mudslides.” Still L.A., is predicted to see lots of rain and even have some flood warnings. The rain over the ‘burn scars’, or burned down ground, can cause debris and mudslides to fall, and this can cause even more damage to homes and roads. Many organizations have had people try and clean up the debris before the toxic run off from the rain has the chance to make it to the water system and ocean. The toxic ash could contain: “asbestos, heavy metals and toxic chemicals,” NPR relays. Its caused by burned electronics and burned building materials. This is very hazardous to people breathing in, as they return back to their homes. 

Here in New Orleans, we see the effects of the fire through the people around us. People with loved ones in California or people who previously lived there. My mother was born in Pasadena, California, right next to the Eaton Fire. The parks she used to play in and neighborhoods she would walk thought have been turned to ash. Her friends, who still live there, had to evacuate. Additionally, her brother has had to evacuate and leave his home without any certainty it will be there, when he gets back. Here, people are worrying about friends and family without any way to physically help from 2,000 miles away.