California Is Going Down in Flames
Uncontrollable Wildfires Taking Over California

It has been nearly three weeks since the California fires started. Beginning on Jan. 7, trees, houses and businesses have been burnt down at a huge scale. More than 4,000 people have evacuated their homes and apartments leaving everything behind, some even including pets. The reason as to how the fires started is still unknown but one of the suspected causes is lightning striking a tree. As of right now, there are 31 wildfires in California, the majority of them being uncontained.
“Ever since the wildfires began I honestly feel really bad for the people who lost homes,” senior Sophia Wildrick said. “There were hundreds that were injured or lost everything that they own and I did see many reports on the news about it.”
There has been an immense amount of destruction with more that 120,000 structures, homes, mobile homes and cars destroyed. There have been more than 20 deaths, and even with the amount of effort from firefighters going into calming the fire, barely anything is changing. The fires are already among one of the most destructive in California’s history. While the low income and homeless are being heavily impacted, news reports have mainly been focusing on celebrities.
“The California fires are tragic, especially if what is being portrayed in the media is true, that there were certain cuts in budgets by politicians that may have resulted in this far being as catastrophic as it is,” upper school counselor Tammy Eubanks said. “I also think that it's sad that there is this idea out there that it's just the wealthy being impacted, not considering that there are lower income people and homeless people that live in that area that are also being impacted.”
The Palisades Fire has burned approximately 23,713 acres, resulting in at least 5,829 structures damaged. Tragically, 10 deaths and four injuries have been confirmed. This fire ranks as the fourth most destructive wildfire in California’s history. The Eaton Fire has consumed about 14,021 acres destroying at least 9,391 structures. There have been 17 deaths and seven injuries reported making it the second most destructive fires in United States history.
“It [the fires] really puts things into perspective because when you see people losing everything, your heart just breaks for them,” upper school science teacher Lauren Soto said.
These wildfires have been extremely powerful with gusts reaching up to 100 mph. The National Weather Service has issued urgent fire weather warnings and has advised residents to prepare for extreme wind and fire conditions, mainly in Los Angeles and Ventura County.
As of Jan. 20, firefighting efforts continue, with the containment still incomplete for the major fires. Residents have been urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders and safety guidelines.
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