California, particularly the Los Angeles area, is experiencing a devastating wildfire season like no other.
Wildfires that have traditionally ravaged the state in summer and fall are now intensifying during the winter months, surprising many and amplifying concerns about the escalating impacts of climate change.
10 killed, 10,000 structures destroyed in California
The Los Angeles area is grappling with its two largest wildfires on record, which have caused extensive damage and loss of life.
The fires have already claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and landmarks. Some of the most picturesque neighborhoods, such as Pacific Palisades and Malibu, have been nearly obliterated by the flames.
Entire blocks have been reduced to smoldering rubble, while oceanfront homes in Malibu are nothing more than blackened debris.
The fires are stretching firefighting resources to the limit. More than 130,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes across the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, and evacuation orders continue to shift as new fires break out.
Among the destruction is the Kenneth Fire, which ignited in the San Fernando Valley and quickly spread, threatening Ventura County. While firefighters have managed to contain parts of the blaze, the threat is far from over.
Latest update on California Wildfires
- Active Fires: Several major wildfires are currently burning in Southern California, including the Palisades Fire west of Los Angeles, the Eaton Fire north of Pasadena, and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.
- Evacuation Zones: Approximately 130,000 people are under evacuation orders as the fires continue to spread. Notably, wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area have forced several Hollywood celebrities, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods, to evacuate their homes.
- Power Outages: Over 450,000 people were without power as of Wednesday evening, according to poweroutage.us, as wildfires disrupted power lines and infrastructure.
As of Thursday night, Cal Fire reports the following fire statuses:
- Palisades Fire: 19,978 acres, 6% contained
- Eaton Fire: 13,690 acres, 0% contained
- Hurst Fire: 771 acres, 37% contained
- Kenneth Fire: 1,000 acres, 35% contained
- Lidia Fire: 394 acres, 75% contained
Unprecedented timing of wildfires: Why Winter?
California is no stranger to wildfires, but the frequency and intensity of fires during the winter months are unusual and alarming.
With over 10,000 structures already lost and widespread evacuation orders in effect, these fires are wreaking havoc on communities in the middle of winter. But why are wildfires, typically associated with the dry summer months, raging at this time of year?
This year’s wildfires are especially alarming because they have struck in what is typically the wet season for California. The state, historically known for its fire-prone summer and fall months, has seen its fire season lengthen. Governor Gavin Newsom remarked, “Fire season has become year-round in the state of California,” emphasizing the shift in seasonal patterns due to climate change.
Marshall Shepherd, University of Georgia meteorology professor, cautions, “This is a warning light going off on the Earth’s dashboard that immediate attention is needed,” adding that ”Hurricane Helene, floods in Spain and the weather whiplash fueling wildfires in California are symptoms of this unfortunate climate gear shift. We still have a few gears to go.”
Wildfires that would traditionally occur in summer months are now igniting with increasing frequency in winter, thanks to a combination of rising temperatures and extended dry spells.
The Santa Ana winds, notorious for exacerbating fire risk, have been particularly destructive this season. The winds reached hurricane force, with gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour, which helped spread embers across vast distances, fanning the flames further.
Climate Change: the underlying cause
Scientists are increasingly linking the growing severity of wildfires to climate change. Rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, and longer periods of drought have created the perfect conditions for fire.
“Climate-change-related alarm bells have been ringing almost constantly,” says Jennifer Francis, a scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center. “In the case of the climate, though, the alarms are getting louder, and the emergencies are now way beyond just temperature.”
The year 2024 was declared the warmest on record globally, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. These rising global temperatures contribute to drier vegetation in California, making it more susceptible to wildfires. Furthermore, the increasing frequency and intensity of Santa Ana winds are worsened by climate change, carrying warm, dry air that fuels flames.
Widespread Impact
In addition to the human toll, the economic impact of these fires is staggering. The loss of luxury homes in Malibu, once home to celebrities, is among the most costly fire-related damage in California’s history. At least 1,000 homes have been destroyed, and infrastructure, including schools, libraries, and businesses, has been leveled.
As Robert Lara, a resident of Altadena, sifted through the remains of his home, he shared his heartbreak: “All our memories, all our sentimental attachments, things that were gifted from generation to generation are now gone.”
The future of California’s wildfire seasons is troubling, with the risks of longer, more destructive fire seasons becoming increasingly evident. Firefighters from across the country continue to battle the blazes, but with the fires still spreading, the fight is far from over.
The alarming shift in California’s wildfire season is not just an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern that reflects the devastating effects of climate change. Such devastating events have been estimated to continue to grow as scientists continue to study the issues that attribute to climate change to adapt and mitigate risks.