NEW DELHI: Raging wildfires have swept across Los Angeles, burning thousands of acres, destroying homes, and forcing thousands of people to evacuate. These fires, fueled by dry weather, strong winds, and human activities, have caused widespread damage and chaos.
Where Are the Fires?
The fires are spreading in several areas:
Palisades Fire: 15,800 acres burned in the western Pacific Palisades
Eaton Fire: 2,200 acres burned above Pasadena
Hurst Fire: 700 acres burned near San Fernando
Woodley Fire: 30 acres burned in Sylmar
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What Is the Damage?
The fires have turned the skies orange, destroyed neighborhoods, and caused massive evacuations.
Evacuations: At least 70,000 people displaced
Deaths: 10 people killed
Homes and Buildings: About 1,100 destroyed
Economic Loss: AccuWeather estimates damages at $135–150 billion. The government has not released its estimate yet.
Why Are the Fires So Severe?
Dry Weather
A hot summer and little rain in the fall and winter dried out plants, creating perfect conditions for wildfires. December temperatures were 2–6°F above normal, making the situation worse.
Strong Winds
Santa Ana winds, with speeds up to 160 km/hr, are spreading the fires quickly. These dry winds lower humidity and make fires harder to control.
Human Factors
More people are living in fire-prone areas, increasing the chances of fires starting. Damaged power lines have also sparked some of these fires.
How Does Climate Change Play a Role?
Climate change has made wildfires more common and intense. Rising temperatures dry out vegetation, making fires more likely. Scientists say human-caused climate change has increased the area burned in California by 172% since 1971.
Los Angeles faces one of its worst wildfire crises, with experts warning that such disasters could become more frequent if global temperatures keep rising.