Los Angeles: It has been exactly three weeks and the wildfires that erupted in California in the United States are yet to be fully controlled after they quickly spread to wrought widespread devastation in the Los Angeles area, leaving communities displaced and causing unprecedented financial losses.
While collectively, these wildfires have resulted in at least 29 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries as of January 28, 2025, the financial toll, too, is staggering. Preliminary estimates peg insured losses at up to $40 billion, potentially marking this as the most expensive wildfire event in U.S. history. Factoring in uninsured losses, business interruptions, and infrastructure damage, AccuWeather estimates the total economic impact could range between $135 billion and $150 billion. Hollywood productions have been disrupted, with filming permits revoked in fire-affected areas.
The state’s already-strained housing market has been hit particularly hard. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, exacerbating the housing shortage. In response, some landlords have raised rents by 15–20%, with reports of prices doubling in certain areas. This has sparked accusations of price gouging that further strained affected families.
These wildfires started on January 7, 2025, with the Palisades Fire starting around 10:30 a.m. near the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles. This was followed by the Eaton Fire, which started later that day at approximately 6:30 p.m. in Altadena and Pasadena. Subsequent fires, including the Hurst and Woodley fires, also ignited around the same time, contributing to the widespread devastation in the Los Angeles area.
All three fires alarmingly forced widespread evacuations and threatened homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
As of January 28, 2025, only about 40% of the Border 2 Fire, which started on January 23, 2025, and has so far burned approximately 6,625 acres in San Diego County, could be contained. The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, noted as the third most destructive wildfire in California’s history, has impacted Pacific Palisades and Malibu, northwest of Santa Monica, and seen 12 confirmed deaths, and 4 reported injuries. It burned approximately 23,448 acres, destroyed at least 6,808 structures, and damaged 966 others. Reports claimed the fire was now 90% contained. The Eaton Fire affecting areas including Altadena and Pasadena is now about 99% contained. Ranked as the fifth deadliest wildfire in California’s history, it reported 17 confirmed fatalities and 9 injuries. It destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged 1,073 others in approximately 14,021 acres of area. (In Eaton, all evacuation orders and warnings have now been lifted). The Huges Fire, which started near Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County on January 22, 2025, burned approximately 10,425 acres, and as of today, was 98% contained. A Los Angeles County bulletin today declared that in the Palisades Fire area, all city and county zones are now open to residents. However, those returning have been asked to show their ID to enter. Additionally, contractors and tow trucks are now allowed to get in but must show proof of being hired by a resident to enter the area. In the Eaton Fire area also, all residents are now allowed to re-enter formerly evacuated areas.
With three major fires burning across the Los Angeles area, the authorities are working hard to control these wildfires that have scorched vast areas of Southern California. But the consequences of wildfires extend far beyond immediate destruction. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities continue to monitor and respond to emerging threats. The destruction of thousands of structures has displaced many residents, leading to significant humanitarian and economic challenges. The fires have been exacerbated by drought conditions, low humidity, and powerful Santa Ana winds, which have reached speeds up to 100 miles per hour in certain areas.
As firefighting teams are working tirelessly to manage and mitigate the damage, recent rains have provided some relief by dampening flames. But they have also created new hazards. Mudslides and debris flows in fire-ravaged areas, such as Malibu, have led to road closures and further displaced residents. Emergency services are stretched thin as they combat both flames and the aftereffects of recent rainfall.
For residents in affected areas, the loss of homes and possessions is devastating; many find themselves displaced with nowhere to go. Communities face significant challenges in recovery, with resources often stretched thin. The emotional toll on survivors can be immense, leading to anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss.
Wildfires in California stem from a combination of natural and human-induced factors. They have become an annual crisis, with the current fires in Southern California highlighting ongoing challenges in containment efforts. Each year, these fires become more frequent and intense, threatening not only the environment but also the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals.
The time required to contain a wildfire depends on several factors, including the fire’s size, location, weather conditions, and available resources. The latest wildfires have shown that it takes weeks to months to contain such large-scale fires, especially in cases where high winds or dry conditions persist. For instance, the Palisades Fire burning now in Southern California, with 0% containment after several days, highlights how adverse conditions and limited access can delay suppression efforts. Despite advances in technology and significant resources allocated to firefighting, authorities continue to face setbacks in quickly dousing these blazes.
There are several reasons for the failure to contain wildfires quickly –
- Extreme Weather Conditions: California’s prolonged drought has left vegetation highly flammable. Strong winds, such as the Santa Ana winds, fan the flames, spreading fires rapidly and unpredictably. Recent rainfalls while helpful in some areas, created mudslides and blocked access to firefighting equipment.
- Resource Limitations: Firefighting teams are often stretched thin, especially during multiple simultaneous fires. Aerial resources, such as water-dropping helicopters and firefighting planes, are in high demand and not always available when needed.
- Challenging Terrain: Many of California’s wildfires occur in mountainous or heavily forested areas, making access difficult for ground crews. Rugged landscapes slow down containment efforts and put firefighters at greater risk. The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history was Camp Fire (2018), which killed 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. Yet, the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history The Peshtigo Fire (1871) occurred in Wisconsin and Michigan, killing over 1,500 people. It was overshadowed by the Great Chicago Fire, which happened on the same day.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns have intensified wildfire seasons. Fires now spread more rapidly, with longer burn durations, complicating containment.
- Urban-Wildland Interface: California’s growing population has led to increased development in fire-prone areas. Protecting homes and infrastructure near forests and grasslands diverts resources from containing the fire itself.
Yet, human activity also plays a significant role. The expansion of urban areas into natural landscapes, often referred to as the “wildland-urban interface,” increased the risk of fires. As homes were built closer to these fire-prone areas, the likelihood of property damage and loss of life escalated. From arson to poorly managed campfires, the actions of individuals also inadvertently led to catastrophic outcomes.
Little surprise therefore that the ongoing efforts to fully contain these fires, and rehabilitate the sufferers are not without politicking and the 2025 wildfire season has underscored the extent to which environmental disasters have become a stage for political battles.
Wildfires in California have long been a focal point for political debate, and as the state grapples with another devastating wildfire season, political manoeuvring and discourse have intensified, with the crisis serving as a platform for debates over climate policy, federal aid, and corporate accountability. From disputes over federal aid and climate accountability to debates about leadership, the crisis has highlighted the challenges of addressing natural disasters in a highly politicized environment.
This time, before his presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump reignited controversy by claiming that the military had intervened to “turn on the water” to combat fires. However, state officials clarified that the action involved reactivating a water pumping station in Northern California, with no military involvement. The claim was dismissed as political grandstanding, fueling partisan divides.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has faced heightened scrutiny over his handling of the crisis. Videos of Newsom displaying “unusual body language” during wildfire-related press briefings have gone viral, leading to criticism of his leadership style and fueling debates over his capacity to manage the crisis effectively. Senator Adam Schiff (Democrat-California) seeks an answer to whether the much sought federal and state resources be enough to stop the next potential mega-fire, while a Republican Senator from Alabama, Tommy Tuberville does not advocate federal aid without policy changes.”I don’t mind sending them some money. But until they change their ways, I’m not sure they deserve it,” he reportedly said.
These statements reflect the varied perspectives among the US leaders regarding the response to California’s wildfire crisis despite the fact that on January 8, 2025, then-US President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California to bolster ongoing response efforts. Now Biden’s successor Trump’s rush to blame the governor and the progressive environmental policies for the catastrophe indicates his antipathy to fighting for federal cash for one of the bluest states (read Democrats) in his first weeks in office. Four days after swearing -in as the US President, Trump, on January 24, 2024, an executive order declaring that “it is the policy of the United States to provide Southern California with necessary water resources, notwithstanding actively harmful State or local policies”. Overriding “Disastrous California Policies”, Trump asked the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Agriculture to expeditiously take all measures, consistent with all applicable authorities, to ensure adequate water resources in Southern California. “Each shall report to me within 15 days on all authorities, including emergency authorities, available to ensure, require, maintain, or use infrastructure necessary to fight and prevent massive wildfires in Southern California,” he stated.
Predictably, the relationship between California and federal authorities has emerged as one of the most contentious issues this year. Democrats advocate stricter regulations on emissions and expanded investments in renewable energy while Republicans focus on forest management and fire prevention measures.
The crisis has also polarized public opinion, with debates over who bears responsibility for the increasing severity of California’s wildfires—state leadership, federal policies, or corporate practices. What was more concerning was that it was seen that in the months leading up to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025, several major insurance companies, including State Farm (insurance company), cancelled numerous homeowners’ policies in high-risk areas such as Pacific Palisades. In July 2024, State Farm dropped about 1,600 policies in this region while several other insurers reduced their coverage in California. This has caused quite a chaos on social media.
Addressing the wildfire crisis requires a multifaceted approach. On a larger scale, government agencies need to prioritize forest management and fire prevention programmes. This includes controlled burns, which help reduce excess fuel in forests, and investing in infrastructure that can manage fire outbreaks more effectively. Before European settlement, Native American communities used controlled burns as a land management tool. These intentional fires cleared underbrush, revitalized soil, and supported hunting and agriculture. However, by the late 19th century, European settlers viewed wildfires as destructive and began aggressive suppression efforts. The US Forest Service, established in 1905, prioritized extinguishing all fires, believing it would protect forests and communities. The Yellowstone Fires in 1988, where a series of fires burned nearly 800,000 acres in Yellowstone National Park, marked a turning point in US fire management, highlighting the need for controlled burns and natural fire cycles to maintain ecological balance.
Enhanced firefighting resources, including training and equipment, are also vital to combat wildfires when they do occur. At the same time, public awareness and education are crucial. Individuals can play an integral part in reducing the risk by understanding fire prevention and safety measures. Simple actions, such as creating defensible space around properties, using fire-resistant building materials, and adhering to local fire regulations, can make a significant difference.
In a larger context, these fires have reignited discussions about climate change and its role in worsening wildfire conditions. Advocates are calling for stricter accountability measures, including lawsuits against oil companies for their contributions to global warming. California lawmakers have proposed legislation to hold oil and gas companies financially accountable for damages caused by climate change-related disasters. The bill aims to allow victims of wildfires and insurance companies to sue fossil fuel companies, arguing that their misleading practices about climate risks have exacerbated disasters. Environmental advocates have hailed the move as a necessary step toward climate justice, while the oil industry has vowed to fight the legislation, framing it as unfair and economically damaging.
As California battles these fires, and the politically surcharged atmosphere, the impact of the fires this time has extended beyond financial losses. Several celebrities have reported evacuations and property losses, while others have joined relief efforts. Benefit concerts featuring artists such as Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, and Lucy Dacus are being organized to raise funds for wildfire victims. Proceeds will go toward local organizations providing food, shelter, and financial aid to those impacted.
Yet, beyond human impacts, wildfires also wreak havoc on ecosystems. California has long been synonymous with natural beauty, from stunning coastlines to sprawling national parks. Forests and wildlife habitats are now destroyed in the wildfires, biodiversity is reduced, and air quality deteriorates due to smoke and particulate matter. Furthermore, the aftermath of a fire can lead to soil erosion and increased runoff, which poses threats to water sources.
Addressing climate change on a global scale is essential. Supporting policies and practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions can lead to improved environmental conditions over time. However, the political wrangling surrounding the crisis suggests that meaningful action may continue to be overshadowed by partisan agendas.
– global bihari bureau
