The California wildfires, which began on Jan. 7, have devastated various parts of Los Angeles County.
The wildfires started in the Palisades, moving towards Eaton and Hurst counties and ending up in Ventura California. While none of the fires have been fully contained, both Hurst and Auto were controlled as of Jan. 18.
Ashleigh Restivo, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’28, was at home at Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles County when the fires started.
“I think everyone knows someone that was affected. My grandma had to evacuate to our house because she lives in Pasadena, but her house was okay. And I do know people that lost their house,” Restivo said.
Although the area Restivo was living in was not personally affected by the fires, the lasting damage due to pollution and smoke from the fires has impacted many in the greater Los Angeles area.
“I think just the awareness of how much has been lost. I don’t think people from outside of California understand how big the impact is on Los Angeles and just the state as a whole.” Ashleigh Restivo, FCLC ’28
Houses, cars and infrastructure are just some of the structures that have been burned, along with the building materials, furniture, paints, plastics and electronics inside them. When materials like that burn, they can release toxic chemicals into the air, worsening air quality. The strong Santa Ana Winds caused these fires to spread quickly from one area to another.
Due to the smoke from the several wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the air quality decreased, forcing residents to wear masks in order to protect their health and well-being. Now, studies show that there has been a link between climate change and the Los Angeles fires, drawing conclusions as to how this fire may have started.
“I think just the awareness of how much has been lost. I don’t think people from outside of California understand how big the impact is on Los Angeles and just the state as a whole,” Restivo stated.
At the time of publication, the death toll of wildfire-related deaths across the Los Angeles area was 27 people. The blazes have grown to cover 40,588 acres of land. The number being presented is primarily related to the Palisades fire and does not include the Eaton fire.
Dalia Lundquist, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center ’28, is from South Pasadena, over five miles from the Eaton Fire. She was at home when she received a level II evacuation notice. A level II evacuation notice means there is a “high probability of a need to evacuate,” per the US Forest Services. Lundquist explained in her interview that while she was fortunate not to lose her home, she was honest in sharing that she lost something very important to her
“My kindergarten, elementary and middle school burned down in the Eaton fire. It’s completely ash.”
Lundquist said the California state government could do a better job of providing resources to those affected by the Eaton fire. Instead, she said organizations and individuals have done the most to help people.
“I have not really seen any support. I know I texted about 20 people that I know about how they’re doing and if they were getting support, and they have not. It’s all been through GoFundMe and donations and local donation drives throughout Altadena and Pasadena.” Lundquist said.
While the cause of the fires is yet to be identified, there has been much speculation as to what could have sparked it. According to CNN, “Fire experts and arson investigators interviewed by CNN said it could take weeks, months or even longer before they know precisely how the fires ignited.” According to the officials from Cal Fire, 95% of fires in California are caused by humans, either intentionally or by accident — like a neglected barbeque or fireworks gone wrong.
Some organizations where LA-area residents can find relief were posted in an article by the LA Times. The article lists five shops where victims who lost their belongings can go to get free clothes, shoes, accessories, essentials, toys and more. Many brands like Alo Yoga, LoveShackFancy, Rebecca Minkoff and more have publicly shared their support for those struggling and offered to give away their resources as well.
For anyone interested in providing contributions to people affected by the California wildfires, several non-profit organizations have offered to help supply various services and resources that are in need of donations.
These donations help rebuild and unite communities, all for a good cause.
The American Red Cross provides critical relief to thousands of people, offering necessities like food, shelter, emotional care, recovery planning and financial assistance.
Project Angel Food, a non-profit organization that offers free meals to those in need in Los Angeles County, has fed more than 3,000 people daily.
As of Jan. 21, three fires have broken out in the San Diego area. According to the Cal Fire officials, the Pala fire has been contained, but the Lilac and Friars Fires are still burning. While no exact cause of these fires has been announced, they have spanned 105 acres at the time this article will be published.