As Los Angeles battles another devastating wildfire season in 2025, residents are facing an escalating crisis that threatens homes, lives and the environment, while the larger problem of climate change looms overhead.

The Greater Los Angeles fires consist of the Palisade fire and Eaton fire, the first of which began the morning of Jan. 7. Though the exact cause of the fire has not yet been declared, it can be said that the fire was able to spread rapidly due to abnormally dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds. Since April of 2024, the precipitation recorded at LAX airport has totaled to less than 0.2.’’ Additionally, strong dry winds created by high pressures over the interior blow out of the mountains to the Los Angeles coast. Santa Ana’s high winds fuel ignitions allowed the flames to spread quickly and to a farther distance, making it increasingly difficult to contain fires as the case with the fires seen currently in Los Angeles.

The population of the Los Angeles Metro Area is 12,678,000, making the fires that much more devastating. The Palisades fire has grown to cover 23,713 acres, and likely damaged over 6,000 structures. The Eaton fire covers 14,021 acres of land and is said to have damaged over 10,300 structures. It is said that the economic loss could reach as high as $50 billion. Most importantly, 27 lives have been lost between the two fires, and at the max nearly 200,000 people were under an evacuation order. Those living in the regions of the fire have been forced to be on high alert as the path of the fire is unpredictable.

To what extent is climate change to blame for the devastating Los Angeles fires? Climate change is an ongoing talked about topic, especially during times of natural crises. Though the fires can not place blame on one solely one factor, climate change has contributed to increasing the frequency and acres burned by wildfires.

California Governor Gavin Newsome made a statement on X, saying “This time of year traditionally has not been fire season but now, we disabuse any notion that there is a season, it’s year-round in the state of California.”

Newsome’s statement acknowledges the changes in the environment, and what that may mean for the people of California.

As of today, (Jan. 27) the exact cause of the fire is under investigation. Many potential causes have been listed such as power company utilities, natural causes and even arson.

Firefighters have made progress, with the Palisades Fire now 59% contained and the Eaton Fire 87% contained. However, a new Santa Ana wind event is forecasted, bringing gusts up to 100 mph and creating “extremely critical” fire weather conditions through Jan. 21. The future of the fire is uncertain, but the government and fire departments will continue to work to protect and help all those affected by the Greater Los Angeles fire.

Lastly, supporters can aid those affected by the LA fires by donating to organizations like the Red Cross and the California Fire Foundation.