Flames Tear Through Los Angeles as Wildfires Rage On

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How it started:

The Los Angeles Wildfires in early January 2025 have become a devastating natural disaster that has impacted countless people’s lives. There are two main reasons causing these wildfires to form and expand: hurricane-force winds and unusually dry conditions. Strong winds cause fire to spread rapidly by feeding flames and spreading embers, challenging firefighters and other workers to put them out. The Santa Ana winds, which occur in the fall and winter, are especially responsible for this due to their top speed of 100 miles per hour.

Smoke from fires dirties the sky as flames engulf parts of California

Additionally, these warm winds dry out plants by lowering the humidity in the air. As moisture escapes from vegetation, the plants dry out and only serve to fuel the fire. Accordingly, when a small fire starts, the Santa Ana winds aid the fire and spread it to a vaster and more vulnerable area. Another significant factor, climate change, has led to unusually dry conditions in California. The rising temperature intensifies the weather for a longer wildfire season than in previous years.

Effect:

These disastrous wildfires have ruined homes and injured many residents throughout California. Besides the fire itself, the smoke originating from it has become a widespread health hazard. Neighboring towns and cities not affected by the fire directly still must face the air pollution caused by the wildfires. This results in an increased risk of heart attacks, potentially damaged lungs, and possibly shortened lifespans. Smoke contains tiny particles called aerosols that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers, or about 1/35 the thickness of a sheet of paper. These aerosols are small enough to move through one’s lungs, blood, and eventually into the brain. This causes brain inflammation and contributes to various diseases such as neurodevelopmental concerns in young children, mood disorders, and dementia in older individuals.

Although the government has taken measures to try to control these wildfires, they continue to burn throughout California. This has negative effects on the people who face them as the fight to put them out drags on.