We all know Los Angeles for its sunny weather and hot summers, so while California is no stranger to summer wildfires, this January outbreak is an outlier, fueled by unusually severe fire weather conditions across the state’s southern region. It is a fluid situation, with many factors contributing to the destruction that will take time to unravel. Yet it is also a stark reminder that climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense than ever before — with individual lives, homes, and businesses paying the price.
Author: Sintija Strazdina
One of the most significant Wildfire factors is climate change. Warmer temperatures, reduced precipitation a changed rainfall season and longer fire seasons have dried out California’s landscapes, increasing the potential for ignition and rapid fire spread. Extended periods of drought further exacerbate the issue. Dry vegetation becomes ready to ignite with the slightest spark. These changes have contributed to an annual average burned area in 2020-23 that is three times higher than in the 2010s.
While some fires are fuel-dominated due to century-long fire suppression and changes in land management, others are wind-dominated, particularly in southern California, like the recent LA wildfires. Winds like Santa Ana and Diablo winds act as accelerants for wildfires. These strong, dry gusts push flames across vast distances, spreading fires at an alarming rate. Combined with already dry conditions, these winds make controlling wildfires exceptionally challenging.
In recent years, wildfires have become more frequent and intense. The 2020 Bobcat Fire, for instance, burned more than 115,000 acres and became one of the largest fires in Los Angeles County history. Similarly, the 2018 Woolsey Fire destroyed 97,000 acres and displaced thousands of residents in Malibu and surrounding areas.
The impact of wildfires on Los Angeles residents is profound. It has destroyed almost 60,000 acres, over a thousand structures, and entire neighborhoods and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. The health effects are equally concerning, as wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can cause respiratory problems, heart conditions, and other illnesses. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, are particularly at risk. This also takes a significant emotional and psychological toll. The fear of losing one’s home, coupled with the trauma of evacuation and uncertainty about the future, can lead to long-term mental health challenges for those affected.
The impact of wildfires extends beyond human populations. Los Angeles’ unique ecosystems, including its chaparral and oak woodlands, are extremely sensitive to fire. Repeated wildfires can degrade these habitats, making it difficult for native plants and animals to recover. Species such as the California mountain lion and the western fence lizard face habitat loss, while post-fire erosion threatens water quality in nearby rivers and reservoirs.
Forecasters now said there’s a 10% to 20% chance of significant flash flooding and debris flow capable of damaging roads and homes in the most vulnerable recently burned areas, namely, the areas of the Palisades and Franklin fires around Pacific Palisades and Malibu, the Eaton fire around Altadena and Pasadena, the Hughes fire around Lake Castaic, and the Bridge fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Glendora.
The most common and effective methods used right now to predict and control wildfires are remote sensing and satellite monitoring. Satellites like NASA’s MODIS and VIIRS provide real-time data on fire location, size, and intensity. These tools help identify new ignitions and monitor fire progression, even in remote areas. Thermal imaging from drones and ground-based radar complements satellite data, offering high-resolution insights for on-the-ground operations. California already uses an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered wildfire detection system using AI to train a forest-based camera network to recognize early signs of fire.
There have been many controlled or prescribed burns implemented to reduce excess vegetation, like thinning dense forests and clearing underbrush, to mitigate fire severity. There have been robotics companies starting to try out these controlled burns with the help of robots, like the BurnBot.
There are a couple of computational models, such as ELMFIRE with wildland-urban interface extensions, that simulate fire spread through communities. These tools incorporate data on vegetation, structure materials, and fire dynamics to reconstruct past events and predict future risks. Google, in partnership with Muon Space and the Environmental Defense Fund, will launch a constellation of satellites called FireSat that can detect as small as a classroom, roughly 5×5 meters.
Residents also play a crucial role in minimizing wildfire risks. Simple measures like creating defensible space around homes, using fire-resistant building materials, and having an emergency evacuation plan can make a significant difference. Reducing personal carbon footprints, advocating for climate policies, and supporting reforestation projects can also contribute to long-term solutions. Anyone willing to help can donate to trust-proofed charities, many great artists, companies, celebrities, and organizations like Netflix, Leonardo DiCaprio, etc. have donated to Los Angeles Fire Departments, America Red Cross, and others. We can also help by sending old clothing or food to make the population’s living situation easier.
Wildfires are a constant threat in Los Angeles, but taking proactive measures and working together can help lessen their devastating effects. As the city adjusts to this new reality, the resilience of its residents and the strength of the community will be vital in facing the challenges ahead. By tackling the wildfire crisis directly, Los Angeles can aim to protect its people, preserve its natural beauty, and create a safer future for generations to come.
Cover image by: photo-graphe – Pixabay
Edited by: Ieva Stalauskaite, Johanna Larsson Krausová