California’s wildfire season is in the summer and fall. But heavy winds and low rainfall can create fire conditions year-round. The fire season has lasted longer in recent years.
It’s not yet known what started the fires that began January 7th. They were spread by very high winds, and the winds pushed the flames into areas that had been dried by drought. LA had not had any substantial rain for hundreds of days.
As of January 30th, at least 29 people have died in the fires. The Palisades Fire has destroyed and damaged more than 6,000 structures. It has burned more than 23,000 acres and is still only 87% contained. The Eaton Fire which burned north of Pasadena has deteriorated more than 10,000 structures. It has burned over 14,000 acres and is 95% contained. Five schools in Altadena were “substantially damaged” in the Eaton fire.
Sadly, a reservoir that had been built to accommodate growth in the Pacific Palisades was empty when the residents needed it the most. The wildfires continue to spread rapidly amid dangerously high winds.
Now as the cleanup phase of recovery begins, after the devastating fires have been slightly tamed. Displaced residents are trying to deal with all the uncertainty concerning the cost and timeline for rebuilding their homes.
Sources:
latimes.com
timeforkids.com
ABCNews.com
Daily News.com