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What Should We Learn from the Los Angeles Wildfires?
Level
Key Topics You'll Learn About in This Article
- A breakdown of events leading up to, during, and after the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires
- How the Los Angeles wildfires encouraged the community to come together
- Explanations for the long-standing threats and impacts to California as a whole as climate change continues to excerbate the likelihood of wildfires
In early January 2025, two major Los Angeles wildfires broke out – in the Palisades and Eaton areas of the infamous Southern Californian city.
California is no stranger to wildfires and its deleterious effects, having experienced one of the most devastating wildfires of all time back in November of 2018 – where many celebrities including Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth lost their homes.
However, these recent Los Angeles wildfires have highlighted the growing concern for rising temperatures – and how even large cities such as Los Angeles may find these natural disasters becoming unsustainable as we hurdle toward a warming planet.
In this article, we’ll explain how the wildfires in L.A. started, how they impact society, and how the city of Los Angeles can move forward.
How Did the Los Angeles Wildfires Start?
The Los Angeles wildfires started on January 7th 2025, with two major wildfires occurring in the area – including in the Palisades and Eaton neighborhoods. The main cause for these wildfires was a combination of persistent drought conditions, low humidity, Santa Ana winds, and a build up of vegetation from the previous winter.
As of January 13th, 2025 – the total amount of area burned from the Los Angeles wildfires is greater than the city of Paris itself, with nearly 60 square miles of land falling subject to the wildfires, where Paris is only around 40 square miles.
In fact, the Palisades fire alone encompasses a whopping 37 square miles – making it as large as cities like Paris and San Francisco themselves. This reveals the colossal impact that not only the Palisades and Eaton neighborhoods of L.A. must endure, but the surrounding areas in Los Angeles county – as an air quality alert was issued for Los Angeles county in the midst of the wildfires.
The overview cards below will help you to envision how much ground that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires covered knowing that it was larger than the size of Paris or San Francisco:
🌉
Golden Gate Park
In San Francisco, flames this size could have swept through Golden Gate Park and surrounding green spaces.
🏘️
Neighborhoods
Entire districts like Haight-Ashbury or Montmartre could have been reduced to ashes within hours.
⛪
Notre Dame
If centered in Paris, historic landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral would be under direct threat.
🛣️
City Streets
Main boulevards and transit routes, from Market Street to Champs-Élysées, could have been shut down.
🗼
Arc de Triomphe
Even world-famous monuments like the Arc de Triomphe could have been engulfed by the wildfire’s scale.
🏞️
Natural Spaces
Parks like the Presidio in San Francisco or Bois de Boulogne in Paris would be devastated by fire.
The Los Angeles wildfires occurring at the start of 2025 alone demonstrate how none of us are safe from the erratic effects of climate change – with over 105,000 residents of Los Angeles being ordered to evacuate and 440 people having lost their lives from these wildfires.
“ Climate change is adding fuel to the fire and it is absolutely outpacing our ability to adapt in certain areas. – (Climatologist John Abatzoglou from the University of California). ”
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What Caused the Palisades Fire?
Leftover Fire from a New Year's Eve Party
The most recent wildfires in Los Angeles started as a small flame, presumably from New Year’s Eve as the first initial fire was discovered on New Year’s day – originating as a New Year's Eve fire.
This was deduced from the fact that there was evidence of people staying in the area surrounding Skull Rock, which often attracts teenagers and partyers – as there was leftover glass near the scene of the first fire.
Santa Ana Winds
However, it is important to remember that the Palisades and Eaton wildfires were caused by several factors – such as strong Santa Ana winds reaching up to 70 mph, which helped to spread the flames faster. Furthermore, the Southern California area has experienced an exceptionally dry season – providing optimal conditions to fuel wildfires.
In terms of wildfires in California as a whole, the impact of power lines across the state and their contribution to wildfires has been studied – with the New York Times revealing that over 3,600 wildfires have happened in California in conjunction with complications from power lines.
The vertical timeline below will break down the series of events that caused and eventually started the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires:
1. Prolonged Drought 🌵
Years of below-average rainfall left vegetation dry and highly flammable across Southern California.
2. Extreme Heat ☀️
Record-breaking winter heatwaves intensified the risk, baking the landscape and lowering humidity levels.
3. Spark from New Year’s Eve Party 🎇🔥
Illegal fireworks ignited a small brush fire in the hills outside Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve.
4. Santa Ana Winds 💨
Powerful, dry winds funneled through mountain passes, rapidly spreading flames across the parched terrain.
5. Rapid Expansion 🌲➡️🔥
The small blaze grew into multiple fire fronts, consuming vegetation and threatening nearby neighborhoods.
6. State of Emergency 🚨
Evacuations were ordered as homes and infrastructure came under direct threat from the advancing flames.
7. Lasting Impact 🌫️
Thick smoke blanketed the region, causing hazardous air quality and long-term ecological damage.
What Impact Did the Los Angeles Wildfires Have on Residents of L.A.?
The Los Angeles community has already lost thousands of buildings and even some lives as a result of the wildfires, putting over 100,000 residents of Los Angeles in an emotionally and physically challenging position to evacuate their homes.
However, one of the positive impacts that the Los Angeles wildfires have had on the L.A. community is revealing that everyone will come together in times of need – with celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, and the Jonas Brothers working to share GoFund Me’s and resources for people in need during the Los Angeles wildfires.
“ I invite you to come to California again — to meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line. – (Governor Newsom in response to Trump’s theories on the Los Angeles wildfires.) ”
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Impact of Los Angeles Wildfires:
- Palisades Fire – Having destroyed over 420 homes and only 13% of the wildfire having been contained as of January 13th, 2025 – this has shown to be one of the most devastating wildfires and natural disasters in the state since the wildfires from November 2018.
- Eaton Fire – As of Monday, January 13th, 2025 – the Eaton wildfire has only been 27% contained. Furthermore, it has taken 16 lives, and damaged over 7,000 buildings and homes – the Eaton fires have shown to be just as consequential.
The drop down sections below will reveal additional consequences of the Los Angeles wildfires:
🌬️ Santa Ana winds & smoke spread
These hot, dry downslope gusts intensified fire behavior and pushed embers miles ahead of the flame front. Learn more about the
strong winds
that supercharged the 2025 L.A. wildfires.
💸 Economic losses & cascading impacts
Thousands of damaged structures triggered a
spike in insurance claims.
Because California alone ranks 5th
in global economic output, disruptions ripple through
our global economy.
🧯 Asbestos & toxic ash exposure
Older buildings can contain asbestos;
when they burn, fibers may become airborne, threatening cleanup crews, first responders, and nearby residents.
🌿 Habitat loss & biodiversity stress
Flames in a drought-stressed chaparral landscape reduce food and shelter for wildlife, compounding regional ecosystem pressures on
biodiversity.
🚒 Stretched emergency resources
California prepares for many hazards—an
earthquake
one week, a wildfire the next.
During the 2025 events, agencies were often
unable to help
everywhere at once—delaying evacuations and structure defense.
🌫️ Fire smoke & added GHG emissions
Burning vegetation releases CO₂ and other greenhouse gases; smoke particles also worsen regional air quality and climate feedbacks.
💔 Displacement & mental health impacts
Rapid evacuations, loss of homes, and weeks of uncertainty can trigger anxiety, grief, and long-term trauma for residents and responders.
🧱 Aftermath: erosion, debris flows, rebuild
Burned slopes can shed mud and debris during winter storms; recovery requires months of cleanup, hazard tree removal, and resilient rebuilding.
Over 100,000 residents of Los Angeles were ordered to evacuate their homes – and while many people living in Southern California live with and accept this as a circumstance of living in such a warm, dry climate: it still takes an emotional and physical toll packing up all of your personal belongings and needing to flee your home.
Why the Most Recent Los Angeles Wildfires Serve As A Wake Up Call to Climate Change
Although California has experienced numerous wildfires before, the most recent wildfires in Los Angeles demonstrate how the nature of natural disasters is truly out of hand – and will only continue to grow more challenging and difficult to avoid or combat as global temperatures skyrocket.
Here are some specific examples why the Los Angeles wildfires serve as a wake up call to fight against climate change:
Timing & Severity of Wildfires
Usually, January serves as the wettest month of the year in California – demonstrating how such massive and cataclysmic wildfires would only be able to occur with shifting weather patterns.
Furthermore, the wildfires coincided with abnormally high temperatures for winter in California – highlighting how climate change is a clear indicator of these erratic wildfires.
As droughts and heatwaves continue to be more prominent across the state, the likelihood of more frequent and severe wildfires will continue to increase.
Frequency of Wildfires
As wildfire season begins to become the new norm, ecosystems and surrounding communities are left with less time to recover – whether it be financially, emotionally, or environmentally.
This allows for future wildfires to prove more destructive than the last, in the same way that falling on an already broken leg would undoubtedly be more painful.
Awareness of Climate Feedback Loops
Wildfires contribute to excess greenhouse gas emissions with the release massive amounts of CO₂, meaning that ironically – the middle of a wildfire caused by climate change, continues to support the conditions to prolong the negative effects of climate change.
In addition to this, the loss of forests and vegetation from wildfires can result in the loss of carbon sinks – which contributes to the long-term, effects of climate change.
The interactive flip cards below (move cursor over card to flip) will reveal how the Los Angeles Wildfires will further contribute to climate change as a whole:
🔥🌫️ CO₂ & Greenhouse Gas Pulse
The Palisades fires rapidly released carbon stored in chaparral, homes, and infrastructure—spiking CO₂ and other gases that trap heat and amplify global warming.
😶🌫️🖤 Black Carbon & Smog Warming
Soot from intense urban–wildland burns darkens the atmosphere and surfaces, absorbing sunlight and boosting local heating while worsening ozone-forming smog.
🌳➖ Loss of Carbon Sinks
Hillside vegetation and urban tree canopy that normally store carbon were scorched; post-fire tree loss and soil damage reduce future CO₂ uptake, prolonging climate impacts.
🏗️⚡ Rebuild & Energy Rebound
Reconstruction, debris removal, and weeks of AC demand under smoky heat add extra fossil-fuel use and supply-chain emissions—extending the wildfire’s climate footprint.
Ultimately, these recent Los Angeles wildfires demonstrate how the accelerating impacts of climate change require our utmost attention and immediate action to elicit true change – otherwise, the consequences of such natural disasters will only be more challenging to battle.
How to Stay Safe During the Los Angeles Wildfires
Staying safe during the current Los Angeles wildfires includes putting out any additional fires, keeping doors and windows closed, wearing protective clothing, and keeping in touch with family, friends, and neighbors on your current situation and needs – whether they be tangible or emotional.
“ You don’t want to open the door and get out and panic at the very last minute as the fire is approaching, because you’re not going to be able to outrun a fire. – (Daniel Berlant, Assistant Deputy Director of Cal Fire.) ”
Staying safe in California during a wildfire can include:
🥫
Keep Food & Water Supply
📝
Emergency Backup Plan
🏠
Stay Indoors When Advised
😷
Wear N95 or Mask for Smoke
💧
Stay Hydrated
👕
Wear Protective Clothing
📻
Listen to Local Alerts
🚗
Keep Car Fueled & Ready
📦
Prepare Go-Bag Essentials
Here's how more detailed break down on how you can stay safe in the midst of the Los Angeles wildfires:
- Stay Indoors – Residents of Los Angeles, especially with underlying health conditions, should aim to stay indoors in addition to keeping windows and doors closed – opting for the use of air conditioning to filter indoor air.
- Protect Employees – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has implored employers to protect employees from wildfire smoke exposure. This can include requiring a short-term mask mandate for employees who work outside or allowing for remote work until the air quality improves to avoid commuters from being exposed to poor air quality.
- Wear Proper Clothing – Incoming Santa Ana winds will not only make it more difficult for firefighters to put out existing fires, but could result in accidentally ingesting or inhaling fine particle matter. This means people out and about in Los Angeles should strive to wear clothing garments to protect your nose, eyes, and mouth in the coming days.
The table below will demonstrate other factors to look out for in the midst of the Los Angeles wildfires and how to stay safe:
| Factor | Details | How to Stay Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Well-Being | Wildfires can lead to stress, anxiety, and trauma. Many feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and potential property loss. | Maintain communication with loved ones, practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, and consider professional help if needed. |
| Potential Health Side Effects | Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease. | Wear an N95 mask outdoors, use air purifiers indoors, and stay informed about air quality levels through local authorities. |
| Signs of a Wildfire Approaching | Look out for heavy smoke, an orange or red sky, falling ash, and emergency alerts from local authorities. | Prepare an evacuation plan, keep emergency supplies ready, and follow evacuation orders promptly. |
| Protecting Your Home | Flying embers and heat from nearby fires can ignite structures and vegetation. | Clear debris and flammable materials from your property, seal vents, and use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding if possible. |
| Wildfire Preparedness | Having a plan and the right resources can make evacuation smoother and reduce panic. | Pack an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medication, and important documents. Keep gas tanks full and vehicles ready. |
| Staying Updated | Changing wind patterns and fire behavior can escalate the situation quickly. | Follow local news, weather updates, and alerts from trusted agencies like CAL FIRE or the National Weather Service. |
Remember, for the most up-to-date information – it is crucial to consult the information provided by your local news outlets and official sources such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Cal Fire.
How L.A. Can Move Forward From These Wildfires and Protect Itself in the Future
In truth, the only way for the greater Los Angeles area to protect itself from wildfires in the future is to contribute in the fight against climate change – as continued dry and skyrocketing temperatures will only make wildfires worse.
Here are some ways that Los Angeles can continue to aid in the battle against global warming and move forward from the existing wildfires:
📜⚖️🌿
New Environmental Legislation
Beyond the 2035 gas-car sales ban, California can restrict fireworks & campfires in high-risk zones, tighten building codes in the WUI, and set stronger caps to cut statewide emissions.
🚇🚌
Build Public Transportation System
Expanding rail, bus rapid transit, and dedicated evacuation corridors reduces car dependence, lowers GHGs, and gives residents safer, faster ways out during mass evacuations.
🤖📡🔥
Use AI & Smart Technology
Deploy AI models with sensor networks, cameras, and satellites to detect ignitions early, forecast spread with real-time weather, and automate targeted evacuation alerts.
🌱🦉🌳
Focus on Ecosystem Restoration
Replant native species, stabilize soils, restore riparian buffers, and create wildlife corridors so post-fire landscapes recover faster and store more carbon over time.
Overall, the root cause of these wildfires is skyrocketing temperatures and erratic weather patterns – meaning the best way to move forward is to work towards long-term emission reduction goals, which Greenly can help with.
Palisades Wildfire FAQ
While there were 31 confirmed deaths from the Palisades and Easton fires, the overall total for fire-related deaths was closer to 400 — whereas the total death count for Maui was around 100. In terms of casualties, the Palisades fires were far more devastating.
Yes, unfortunately. Unless we make drastic changes to our lifestyles and business models, droughts, heat, and other factors related to climate change will continue to increase the severity of wildfires in California. Luckily, carbon accounting companies like Greenly can help you measure and reduce your impact today to help avoid future crises.
Greenly helps companies not only monitor, measure, and effectively manage all of their scope emissions — but also build greater climate resilience by encouraging stakeholder engagement, redesigning supply chains, and more. These strategies can help organizations become better prepared for recovery if a natural disaster occurs.
What About Greenly?
If reading this article on the current Los Angeles wildfires has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help.
At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance on how to reduce emissions, optimize energy efficiency, and more to make sure your business doesn’t contribute to devastating natural disasters.
Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here.
Sources
SF Chronicle https://www.sfchronicle.com/?from=regwall
CNN https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/los-angeles-wildfires-palisades-eaton-california-01-12-25/index.html
California Government https://www.fire.ca.gov/
LA Times https://www.latimes.com/california/live/pacific-palisades-fire-updates-los-angeles
UK Yahoo News https://uk.news.yahoo.com/live/los-angeles-wildfires-live-updates-at-least-24-killed-santa-ana-winds-return-to-region-as-officials-warn-of-particularly-dangerous-situation-173924284.html
BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyxypryrnko
NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/13/us/los-angeles-fires-cause.html
The Conversation https://theconversation.com/southern-california-is-extremely-dry-and-thats-fueling-fires-maps-show-just-how-dry-246983
NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/us/palisades-fire-cause-ignition-point-site.html
LA Times https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-01-09/l-a-county-lacked-resources-to-hold-back-destructive-wildfires-heres-what-is-happening-essential-california
Euro News https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/01/09/california-wildfires-why-are-they-happening-and-is-climate-change-to-blame
Climate Hubs https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/A%20Guide%20to%20Staying%20Safe%20During%20Wildfires_1.pdf
Global Climate Association https://blog.globalclimateassociation.org/uncovering-asbestos-risks-in-the-aftermath-of-wildfires
BU School of Public Health https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2025/death-count-for-2025-la-county-wildfires-likely-hundreds-higher-than-official-records-show/
The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/17/trump-climate-change-la-fires
CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/09/los-angeles-wildfires-latest-at-least-5-dead-more-than-100000-forced-to-evacuate.html