A City Under Black Smoke: Updates On The California Wildfires

Anna Johnson

Since 7^th January, wildfires have spread across more than 45,000 acres of California. 

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the fires have killed at least 29 people, and 22 people are still missing. Tens of thousands have evacuated and are waiting to find out if their homes are still standing.

As of 28th January, the Palisades fire has covered 23,488 acres and is 95 per cent contained. The Eaton fire, which started soon after, has burned 14,021 acres, and the Hughes fire a further 10,425 acres.

Over 5,000 firefighters have battled the blaze, and reinforcements have been brought in from Israel, Canada and Mexico. Helicopters have helped to quench the raging fire’s thirst by dropping water from above in precise problem areas.

There is no clear answer as to what started the Palisades fire, though the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has received more than 150 tips. Some residents have linked the Palisades fire to a small fire potentially ignited by fireworks on New Year’s Day.

Southern California Edison (SCE), which provides electricity to Los Angeles, is under investigation for its potential role in the Eaton fire.

“Ten people were charged for looting evacuated houses”

Nathan Hochman, LA Attorney, announced nine people were charged for looting evacuated houses in the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Who’s to blame?

Donald Trump criticised California governor Gavin Newsom for the lack of water for firefighter’s hoses.

Trump said: “They just can’t put out the fires, what’s wrong with them?”

The now inaugurated president claimed that Newsom had failed to sign a water restoration declaration. However, multiple media outlets have investigated this claim and found no such declaration exists.

Data shows California’s water reservoirs are mostly above average for this time of year. Although crucially, a significant reservoir in Pacific Palisades, the Santa Ynez Reservoir, was awaiting maintenance and empty when the fire broke out.

Multiple destructive fires are currently burning in the Los Angeles, California area.

As of Jan. 8, the blazes have destroyed thousands of structures and prompted officials to issue evacuation orders. @NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image of smoke from the Palisades fire. pic.twitter.com/ozrOl2QCSm

— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) January 8, 2025

The fate of California lies in improved weather conditions. During the lulls in strong winds, the fire was able to be kept under control.

California residents have expressed their dismay and fears for the future concerning the implications of global warming. The American state has swung back and forth from dry to wet conditions over the past few years.

After decades of drought, the state experienced heavy rainfall in 2022-2023, swinging back to dry in the last few months of 2024. This constant change has led to dry vegetation, making the landscape extremely sensitive to fires.

As the first “real” rain of winter is expected, reports say California is likely to see extreme flooding in the near future.

CALIFORNIAN CELEBRITIES’ MILLION-DOLLAR HOMES DESTROYED

Major celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, Anna Faris and Jhené Aiko, lost their homes to the fires.

Hilton said on X: “This house wasn’t just a place to live – it was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family.” In a video, Hilton showed the rubble of what used to be her $8.4 million Malibu mansion.

I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable.💔🥺 When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock—I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million… pic.twitter.com/mJcFjQVVX7

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) January 10, 2025

Hilton continued to share some encouraging words to help bolster the people of California: “We will rebuild, we will heal, and we will rise stronger than before.”

According to Cal Fire, 16,355 structures have been destroyed across California and firefighters are still working to contain the wildfires.

Disney, Walmart, NFL and the NBA have donated to help victims of the wildfires. Donation centres have opened in Arcadia to provide those in need with tinned food, water, clothes and hygiene products.

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