This last month in January 2025, Los Angeles had one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in recent history. For a few weeks, the flames ravaged both the urban and rural areas. Not only did the fires damage the homes of many, but people lost their jobs and businesses. The fires caused 29 deaths and may have resulted in total property and capital losses estimated between $95 and $164 billion. Evidence suggests that the fire started on New Year’s Eve, when people used fireworks in the mountains above Los Angeles, and may have left embers that later ignited into the larger Pacific Palisades fire.
7,500 firefighters and other emergency personnel were deployed to help cease the fires. Firefighters, supported by helicopters and air tankers, had to battle tirelessly against the raging inferno of fire. Despite their efforts, more than 57,000 acres of land and more than 18,000 homes and structures were scorched. 200,000 people had to evacuate, and local authorities had declared a state of emergency, and citizens were urged to stay prepared for rapid evacuations.
The fires also caused severe air quality problems, with the smoke blanketing over much of the region, sending air pollution levels soaring. Some schools had to cancel outdoor activities, and many people with respiratory issues were urged to stay indoors. At local hospitals, they reported an increase of asthma and respiratory-related visits as the smoke lingered in the air for days on end. The EPA says, “once inhaled, these particles can affect the lungs and heart and cause serious health effects. Larger particles (> 10 µm in diameter) are generally of less concern because they usually do not enter the lungs; however, they can still irritate the eyes, nose, and throat,” warning of some of the severe health risks linked with wildfire smoke. “There is evidence of an increase in the risk of both cardiovascular- and respiratory-related effects in response to wildfire smoke exposure, particularly as the intensity of wildfire smoke increases.”
Tyler Sardinas, a high school senior, reflected on the widespread impact of the fires. “I know wildfires can start from lightning strikes or even human activity like campfires or discarded cigarettes, but there may be some climate change causing it as well.” said Tyler. Which makes a lot of sense, looking at statistics; the WFCA (Western Fire Chief Association) says, “the necessary elements to start a fire are fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel is any kind of flammable material, including trees, grasses, and shrubs, but can also include houses, patio decking, and garden furniture. Oxygen gas is already present in the air around us, which leaves heat as the final element.” And that, “humans cause nearly 90% of wildfires in the United States via discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, burning debris, or through equipment malfunctions. Although less common, wildfires can also occur through non-human phenomena, such as lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions.” They also say that “a single cigarette butt carelessly discarded is all it can take to ignite and destroy thousands of hectares of land.” And in 2017, wildfires caused by cigarettes resulted in about $6 billion in property damage.
Based on this information, there is not a lot regarding climate change and its effects on wildfires. Climate change increases the risk of wildfires by making the weather hotter, drier, and windier. Because of these conditions, it creates more opportunities for wildfires to start and spread. The C2ES tells us, “Research shows that changes in climate create warmer, drier conditions. Increased drought and a longer fire season are boosting these increases in wildfire risk. For much of the U.S. West, projections show that an average annual 1 degree C temperature increase would increase the median burned area per year by as much as 600 percent in some types of forests. In the Southeastern United States, modeling suggests increased fire risk and a longer fire season.” Warning us of some of the climate changes and how they may cause an increased risk of wildfires and increased intensity of wildfires.
Although the fires have been largely extinguished, their aftermath continues to affect the city. With changing climate patterns contributing to longer and more intense wildfire seasons, experts warn that Los Angeles must continue to invest in prevention, early detection, and response strategies to mitigate future risks. As residents and leaders come together to rebuild, the wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental action to protect vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change.
