Recent wildfires in L.A. have left residents grappling with destruction and heartache, among many other things. These fires continue to raise concern about the growing impact of expansion of urban areas across the state, and the ability to deal with such a catastrophe. As of late January, several fires have already burned through thousands of acres of land, leaving a trail of damage that will take years to fully recover from.
The fires in L.A. are not a new issue, as over a long period of time, wildfires have become increasingly frequent and intense in Cali, with the summer months now being synonymous with smoke filled skies and the constant threat of people losing all of their possessions and having family members taken from them. This year however, the fire season came earlier than expected, and the spread of flames was devastating, making it impossible for anyone to ignore the larger implications of these natural disasters.
California’s prolonged droughts paired with heavy winds have created a perfect environment for fires to start, with the dry land providing fuel for the flames. But it’s not just nature at play, as urban development has increased in wildland areas, placing more homes and infrastructure in the path of destruction.
The community has been forced to wrestle with the fact that many neighborhoods are not equipped to handle emergencies such as this. Entire communities have been forced to evacuate, leaving behind their homes, and their possessions. Local fire departments, though incredibly skilled in what they do, are often stretched thin, dealing with several issues in the fires at once. They fight to protect property and residents of L.A., but the scale of the fires has been very overwhelming for the departments. The constant battle against the fires has left many wondering if L.A. is actually going to be prepared for the next fire season.
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of these wildfires is the long-term effects on the residents of the affected areas. Not only do people lose their homes, but the emotional and mental toll will probably last for several years. Many residents who have gone through these fires are now living in temporary shelters, uncertain about when they will be able to return home, or if they ever will be able to.
As the fires continue to burn, there has been an outpouring of support from the community, with both local and national organizations stepping up to provide aid. Volunteer groups have been helping evacuees, distributing food and water, and offering several other services to those in need. However, the recovery process is slow, and much more will need to be done to ensure that all the residents of L.A. are able to rebuild their lives in the future.
