While one side of America freezes over, the other sprouts flames. The recent destruction of the LA fires, and the cause unidentified, has turned America’s head westward. While under the concerned eye of the public, 60 square miles have been burned, multiple fires have ignited, and at least 27 lives have been lost (CBS News).
Where did the flames begin?
On January 7th, the Palisades erupted. The day’s windy conditions and dryness made for ideal fire-spreading. Eventually at 12:03 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department began evacuation orders. Since then, 2,869 structures have been wiped out, 3 civilians injured, and 8 civilians died according to Cal Fire. Numbers may seem insensitive, and they can never fully describe the terror of the horrific events they describe, but statistics give the situation tangibility. Due to the realistic illustration of the fires, both those involved and far away are given the ability to see the depth of the situation and possibly inspire action. One resident in California, Madison Arthur, put into words her experience with the fires that came through late last year: “It was insane, our entire neighborhood was evacuated, but we talked to the firefighters and they thought we had a good chance of being okay, so we didn’t leave. We stayed and put out little fires after the big stuff was done. If we had left, there was a good chance our neighbors yard and ours would have caught fire.” She goes on to talk about the community response: “I think this was the first big disaster we’ve had in my town in a long time so people really came together to help.” Thousands are in need of support, especially since the Palisades Fire is not alone in its fury.
In addition to the Palisades Fire, there is also the Eaton, Hurst, and Auto Fires. Although wildfires are inherently awful to endure, there is some improvement in the containment of the other areas. The Eaton Fire is 55% contained, the Hurst Fire is 98% contained, and the Auto Fire is 85% contained (Cal Fire). Hope is on the horizon, yet there are still a few detrimental symptoms in view.
Fires are so powerful in their duality of effects. From the igniting of the flame, fires cause direct damage to whatever it touches. However, its long term consequences tend to be gruelingly more memorable. Most noticeably, the air quality is an already wounded soldier taking yet another blow. The infamous smog of the city will unfortunately continue to get worse. In a more abstract sense, many hearts are hurting for the connections they have to the areas of the fires. Whether it be a traditional vacation spot or place where loved ones reside, many are more aware of the mental toll the conditions of the fires are bringing. The bombardment of events from Hurricane Helene to the current fires leaves little room for rest.
Like many traumatic events, evident in history books, there is an end. The conclusion of the fires will come, and people will link arms again as they always have to support one another. Until then, there are various ways the people directly affected by the LA fires can be helped. Perhaps the easiest way to heal the pain caused by the fires is to appreciate the quality of Walton-Verona. In admiring the friends, mentors, and families within this community, others will know joy is possible in theirs.
