On January 7, 2025, Southern California practically burst into flames. Throughout January, wildfires engulfed Los Angeles—the most damaging being the Palisades and Eaton Fires—and spiraled out of control. With about 57,000 acres of land burned, an estimated 16,000 structures destroyed, and thousands of people left without their homes, schools, and businesses, one can only imagine how this disaster started in the first place. The likely cause? Climate change. 

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​Over the past couple of weeks, the wildfires in Los Angeles, which first started destroying neighborhoods on January 7th, 2025,  have increasingly become more frequent and rampant. First arising in an Eastern Malibu neighborhood known as the Pacific Palisades, this ongoing environmental threat has continued to devastate Californians, with the fires covering over 23,000 acres of land as of January 17th, 2025. Although few fires, such as the Hughes and Kenneth fires, have been fully contained, the Palisades and Eaton Fires continue to destroy homes, pose long-term environmental risks, pollute the air, contaminate water supplies, and, unfortunately, have led to the passing of 29 individuals, including first responders.

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​While it is just speculation that climate change had caused these fires, it is known that the fires could grow due to the lack of water supply. The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades was out of commission for repairs on the day the wildfires started. Additionally, water tanks dried up temporarily due to the high demand for water to fight these fires. The California Department of Corrections (CDCR) deployed approximately 800 incarcerated firefighters to help their communities. The CDCR has 30 fire training camps for people serving their time in prison to be trained in firefighting and responding to other disasters. The Palisades fire had burned over 23,000 acres of land, and the Eaton fire had burned 14,201 acres of land. By January 31, the Palisades and Eaton fires were 100% contained, but California’s suffering was far from over. 

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​Throughout the United States, many organizations are banding together to provide relief for the victims of the fires, such as the American Red Cross and Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, for example, helping those who lost their homes. Like these organizations, the Portledge Community should start using our voices to help raise awareness of these devastating fires. Our Green Team has donated to an LA relief cause by raising over $600 to donate during a bake sale; however, as community members, we encourage you to do what you can to help relieve the LA community. Donate to trustworthy fundraisers like the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, offer old toys and clothes you don’t need, and participate in local community events that help raise awareness of these fires. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of these fires is that climate change has played a significant role in destroying LA neighborhoods; although helpful, you should not just offer wildfire relief, but you should start working to ensure that these preventive events do not continue contaminating our world. Start taking care of your community, raise awareness of climate change, and, most importantly, support those struggling.