California Fires: How human-caused climate change fueled Los Angeles wildfires – all we need to know
4 days, 21 hours ago

California Fires: How human-caused climate change fueled Los Angeles wildfires – all we need to know

Live Mint  

Los Angeles Wildfires: Climate change has been increasingly delaying the onset of autumn and winter rains in parts of California, and in Los Angeles the period since July 2024 has had the second-lowest rainfall in 150 years, reports said. Strong winds that have driven the fires are normal for this time of year, but the recent fires in Los Angeles are more dangerous because conditions are often drier as a result of climate change. Los Angeles Wildfires: Combined with rising temperatures, this is drying out vegetation, making the area more vulnerable to burning Human-caused climate change has made California hotter and drier, making it easier for fires to start and spread. Climate change is also making it easier for fires in California to spread quickly; about 25 per cent more fires now spread extremely fast, the reports said.

Climate Change Change Climate Wildfires Los Angeles Los Angeles Winds Strong Winds California Fires Los Angeles Wildfires  conditions  fueled  wildfires  winds  climate  making  reports  humancaused  change  los  california  fires  need  angeles  know

History of this topic

Live updates: Los Angeles wildfires, Santa Ana winds prompts warnings as Palisades, Eaton fires burn
55 years ago

Live updates: Los Angeles wildfires, Santa Ana winds prompts warnings as Palisades, Eaton fires burn

CNN  

Wildfire smoke covers downtown Los Angeles, as seen from Encino Hills, on January 12. Apu Gomes/Getty Images As wildfires continue to burn across Southern California, air quality alerts have been issued across parts of the region. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued these alerts, which cover Los Angeles, Long Beach and Santa Clarita. Should fires worsen with …

Los Angeles wildfires could be the costliest in history
2 days, 7 hours ago

Los Angeles wildfires could be the costliest in history

Salon  

Wildfires still raging across Los Angeles County are projected to be among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. “This will be the costliest wildfire in California modern history and also very likely the costliest wildfire in U.S. modern history, because of the fires occurring in the densely populated areas around Los Angeles with some of the highest-valued real estate …

What Causes California Fires? Power Lines Can Be a Contributor.
2 days, 7 hours ago

What Causes California Fires? Power Lines Can Be a Contributor.

New York Times  

Many of California’s Most Destructive Fires Were Caused by Power Lines Investigators are still working to identify what caused the spate of fires that ignited around Los Angeles last week, but residents are concerned that electrical infrastructure may have sparked at least one of them. Cumulative extent of previous fires known to be caused by power lines Fillmore Santa Clarita …

In just minutes, the Palisades fire in Los Angeles exploded out of control
3 days, 7 hours ago

In just minutes, the Palisades fire in Los Angeles exploded out of control

ABC  

Days before one of the largest wildfires the area has ever seen broke out in southern California, forecasters had been warning of extreme wind. Residents flee spreading flames and 'war zone' conditions As the Palisades fire spread, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued a mandatory evacuation order for a large area spanning from the hillside to the coastline. Maps reveal …

Los Angeles wildfires: Shocking video by TikTokers shows people starting more fires in California, report says
4 days, 2 hours ago

Los Angeles wildfires: Shocking video by TikTokers shows people starting more fires in California, report says

Live Mint  

Los Angeles wildfires: A shocking video posted by a TikTok user reportedly claims that people are starting more fires in Los Angeles. Additionally, other videos have been shared on social media, showing individuals starting fires in areas of Los Angeles that were not previously burned. LA wildfire update Fires in the Los Angeles area have caused widespread devastation, destroying around …

Los Angeles wildfires have become perfect fuel for Trump and climate denial
Trending News
4 days, 7 hours ago

Los Angeles wildfires have become perfect fuel for Trump and climate denial

Salon  

As of Friday, the plague of wildfires in Los Angeles has consumed more than 20,000 acres, destroyed roughly 13,000 buildings, forced more than 180,000 evacuations and caused at least 11 deaths. “Climate change is 100% responsible” for the wildfires Kyla Bennett, director of senior policy at the activist group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, told Salon. “The weather patterns over …

Los Angeles wildfires: From Malibu to Santa Monica — before and after pictures of neighbourhoods
4 days, 23 hours ago

Los Angeles wildfires: From Malibu to Santa Monica — before and after pictures of neighbourhoods

Live Mint  

Los Angeles Wildfires: Amid the tragic and devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles, California, we take a look at before-and-after images of some neighbourhoods in the western US state. Malibu, Los Angeles The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already rank as the most destructive …

Los Angeles wildfires claim 5 lives, force 180,000 evacuations across California — see heart-breaking pictures
5 days, 5 hours ago

Los Angeles wildfires claim 5 lives, force 180,000 evacuations across California — see heart-breaking pictures

Live Mint  

As devastating wildfires rage across multiple locations in Los Angeles, California, at least five people have been confirmed dead, and another 180,000 have been ordered to evacuate their homes, according to an AP report citing officials. Burnt cars stand, after powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area forced people to evacuate, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on …

The causes of the California wildfires are closer to home than you think
5 days, 14 hours ago

The causes of the California wildfires are closer to home than you think

The Independent  

If we build on flood plains, properties will flood. John Vaillant, author of the bestselling and quite unputdownable Fire Weather: The Making of a Beast, likes to say we think we live in a “magic bubble” of denial. As Vaillant wrote about a huge fire in Vancouver in August last year: “While researching Fire Weather, I interviewed a lot of …

It's Not Really The Typical Time For Nasty California Fires. What Are The Factors That Changed That?
5 days, 17 hours ago

It's Not Really The Typical Time For Nasty California Fires. What Are The Factors That Changed That?

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Southern California is experiencing its most devastating winter fires in more than four decades. Speed is the killer “Tiny, mighty and fast” fires have blazed through America’s west in the last couple of decades as the world warms, said University of Colorado fire scientist Jennifer Balch. Winter fires “are much more destructive because they happen much more …

Fires rage around Los Angeles
6 days ago

Fires rage around Los Angeles

ABC  

Samantha Donovan: Hello, welcome to PM. Mark Howden: Well, I think there's probably a fingerprint of climate change on all of the big three characteristics of Santa Ana winds here. Samantha Donovan: So do you think the American fire season on the West Coast is now going to overlap with Australia's summer bushfire season or is this just an unusual …

How Santa Ana 'devil winds' and climate change are fuelling fire conditions in California
6 days, 7 hours ago

How Santa Ana 'devil winds' and climate change are fuelling fire conditions in California

ABC  

Los Angeles is experiencing what's already been declared by some as the worst fires in its history, with a spate of wildfires blazing through parts of the city. Despite California's long history with destructive fires, the fact that these fires are burning in unusually dry winter months has highlighted how climate change is reshaping fire seasons around the world. Sometimes …

Wet winters to wildfires: How nature turned Los Angeles into a tinderbox
6 days, 7 hours ago

Wet winters to wildfires: How nature turned Los Angeles into a tinderbox

India Today  

Wildfires raging around Los Angeles advanced into the Hollywood Hills, following a series of devastating blazes in the region that claimed at least five lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and severely strained firefighting resources and water supplies. The wildfires devastating Los Angeles have been fueled by a perfect storm of environmental conditions, leading to unprecedented destruction and loss of life. …

California wildfires show we are not prepared for climate change
6 days, 7 hours ago

California wildfires show we are not prepared for climate change

Salon  

I spent most of the evening on January 7, a Christmas Day celebrated by Orthodox Christians around the world, monitoring local news and emergency apps for evacuation alerts for the Los Angeles area. As one writer pointed out on X on Tuesday night, “this is how people turn into climate refugees.” As Salon has previously reported, nowhere will be safe …

Intensifying climate whiplash set the stage for devastating California fires
Trending News
6 days, 7 hours ago

Intensifying climate whiplash set the stage for devastating California fires

LA Times  

The devastating wildfires that have ravaged Southern California erupted following a stark shift from wet weather to extremely dry weather — a phenomenon scientists describe as hydroclimate whiplash. “The evidence shows that hydroclimate whiplash has already increased due to global warming, and further warming will bring about even larger increases.” The extreme weather shift over the last two years in …

It’s not really the right time for nasty California fires. What are the factors that changed that?
6 days, 7 hours ago

It’s not really the right time for nasty California fires. What are the factors that changed that?

Associated Press  

Southern California is experiencing it’s most devastating winter fires in more than four decades. A man walks past a fire-ravaged business after the Eaton Fire swept through Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. A man walks past a fire-ravaged business after the Eaton Fire swept through Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Share Share Copy Link copied Email …

LA fires: The disaster in California just revealed a very grim truth.
6 days, 7 hours ago

LA fires: The disaster in California just revealed a very grim truth.

Slate  

Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Going into early Wednesday morning, even more fires started within the county and consumed hundreds of acres, while Palisades fire hydrants found themselves sapped of water. Just one day after Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook and Instagram would no …

California’s Wildfires Show No Signs of Slowing Down
55 years ago

California’s Wildfires Show No Signs of Slowing Down

Wired  

On Tuesday, Santa Ana winds swept seaward through Southern California, scattering embers and then fanning flames of a growing wildfire. The fires turned catastrophic so quickly because of unusually dry and windy conditions: “Any little spark, whether from a lightning strike or a person or a campfire is going to quickly, quickly escalate,” says Jennifer Marlon, research scientist and lecturer …

‘Explosion on right, houses on fire on left’: How Los Angeles wildfires started; will it worsen overnight?
6 days, 19 hours ago

‘Explosion on right, houses on fire on left’: How Los Angeles wildfires started; will it worsen overnight?

Live Mint  

Los Angeles wildfires: Thousands have fled and more have been evacuated as three ferocious wildfires continued to spread in Los Angeles, devouring multi-dollar homes, sheds, cars and everything that came in the way as hurricane-force winds fueled rapid blaze growth. According to the reports, the Los Angeles wildfires are not expected to be contained tonight and are in fact, likely …

California fire: Wind-whipped wildfire turns scary in Los Angeles, people seen frantically fleeing
1 week ago

California fire: Wind-whipped wildfire turns scary in Los Angeles, people seen frantically fleeing

India TV News  

Image Source : AP 1/7 Water is dropped by a helicopter on the advancing Palisades fire in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday. A third wildfire started around 10.30 pm and quickly prompted evacuations in Sylmar, a San Fernando Valley community that is the northernmost neighbourhood in Los Angeles. Image Source : pti 5/7 A third wildfire …

Explained: How California's Santa Ana Winds are fuelling the Palisades Fire
1 week ago

Explained: How California's Santa Ana Winds are fuelling the Palisades Fire

India Today  

The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles erupted around 10:30 a.m., fuelled by powerful Santa Ana winds that the National Weather Service warned could be “life-threatening” and the strongest in over a decade. Santa Ana winds, common in Southern California during cooler months, are known for spreading wildfires. Here’s a look at the often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees …

See photos of fire, smoke and flight as wildfires race across Southern California
1 week ago

See photos of fire, smoke and flight as wildfires race across Southern California

Associated Press  

Strong winds that sent wildfires ripping through the mountains and foothills around Los Angeles on Wednesday fed a spectacle of smoke, flames and flight. The Eaton Fire destroys a structure Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The Palisades Fire burns a Christmas tree inside a residence …

What is the latest science telling us about climate change?
1 week ago

What is the latest science telling us about climate change?

The Hindu  

After another record-breaking year for global temperatures in 2024, pressure is rising on policymakers to step up efforts to curb climate change. The last global scientific consensus on the phenomenon was released in 2021 through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but scientists say evidence shows global warming and its impacts have since been unfolding faster than expected. Critical point …

California Winds Drive Severe Fire Danger in Rain-Starved LA
Top News
1 week, 1 day ago

California Winds Drive Severe Fire Danger in Rain-Starved LA

Live Mint  

-- Exceptionally powerful, dry winds expected across Southern California this week are set to send wildfire risk skyrocketing in a region that’s endured more than eight months without significant rain. As offshore winds race down local mountain ranges, they’ll bring gusts of up to 80 miles per hour to densely-populated communities in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, putting more than …

December Wildfires Are Now a Thing
3 weeks, 3 days ago

December Wildfires Are Now a Thing

Wired  

This story originally appeared on High Country News and is part of the Climate Desk collaboration. A downtown Los Angeles weather station has recorded only 5.7 inches of rain this year, and not even a quarter-inch has fallen in December, which is usually the middle of the region’s wet season. That’s the real kicker.” Daniel Swain, climate scientist, UCLA In …

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year
1 month ago

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year

LA Times  

By this time of year, Southern California has usually recorded some measurable rainfall. If the rains don’t come and the winds do, he said, “that will keep us in high fire season.” Two recent stretches of dangerous Santa Ana winds played out exactly the way forecasters worried they would, fueling the flames of major fires across coastal Southern California. “Down …

AP photos show the terror of Southern California wildfires and the crushing aftermath
2 months ago

AP photos show the terror of Southern California wildfires and the crushing aftermath

Associated Press  

Before the wildfire comes a decision: what to save. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print A home destroyed by the Mountain Fire is reflected in a swimming pool in Camarillo, Calif., Nov. 8, 2024. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Flames consume a home as the …

A wildfire fueled by strong winds has devastated Southern California, thousands evacuated
2 months, 1 week ago

A wildfire fueled by strong winds has devastated Southern California, thousands evacuated

Hindustan Times  

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds was tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day Thursday after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee when it exploded in size in only a few hours. Red Flag warnings issued as SoCal braces for ‘extreme and life-threatening’ fire behaviour Officials in several Southern …

California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger
2 months, 2 weeks ago

California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger

LA Times  

San Bernardino County firefighters work to save a home in Wrightwood as they battle the Bridge Fire in September. A new paper in the journal Science puts that sentiment to the test, with startling findings: California fires spread almost four times faster in 2020 than they had in 2001. “People are pretty good at putting out all fires,” said Park …

Fires spark across state as California heads into dangerous weekend of gusty, dry winds
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Fires spark across state as California heads into dangerous weekend of gusty, dry winds

LA Times  

Firefighters across the state were battling blazes Saturday in Oakland, Jurupa Valley, San Gabriel Canyon and Solano County amid a dangerous weekend of dry, gusty winds. According to a red-flag warning issued for Southern California, “if fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property.” In Northern and Central …

Wildfires in California have burned 1 million acres so far this year. Heat wave poses more risk
3 months, 1 week ago

Wildfires in California have burned 1 million acres so far this year. Heat wave poses more risk

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The total acres burned in California this year surpassed 1 million as spiking temperatures Tuesday added to the challenges facing firefighters struggling to contain a stubborn blaze in the mountains northeast of Los Angeles that flared up over the weekend. Evacuation orders were expanded again Monday for remote communities northeast of Los Angeles as the Line Fire …

Unusual October heat wave in California brings new fire fears; 1 million acres already burned
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Unusual October heat wave in California brings new fire fears; 1 million acres already burned

LA Times  

An unusually warm autumn heat wave is continuing to push temperatures up across California, heightening fire risks across the state and prompting power shutoffs in the north and additional wildfire evacuations in the south. Across Southern California, the National Weather Service is warning of “dangerously hot conditions” through Thursday, with highs reaching up to 107 degrees in several areas, including …

Fall baking! Soaring California temperatures spur power shutoff warnings, increased fire risks
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Fall baking! Soaring California temperatures spur power shutoff warnings, increased fire risks

LA Times  

Visitors to Signal Hill are silhouetted by the blazing sun during a hot September day in 2022. Parts of Los Angeles County will begin to see high temperatures starting Tuesday, with Wednesday the hottest day of the week, Hall said. Similarly, temperatures from inland parts of the Bay Area into the Sacramento Valley could reach the triple digits by Wednesday, …

California extreme weather shift: From record heat to cold, rain, even snow
3 months, 4 weeks ago

California extreme weather shift: From record heat to cold, rain, even snow

LA Times  

Climber Kevin Fentress of Brooklyn, N.Y. climbs up the high seaside cliff at Point Dume under overcast skies on Sept. 12. “We have ups and downs with weather as patterns shift, so the fact that we have some cool weather now and slowing fire season won’t necessarily change the total outcome of the fire season.” The most damaging and destructive …

Weather shift gives firefighters an edge in battling three large Southern California wildfires
4 months ago

Weather shift gives firefighters an edge in battling three large Southern California wildfires

LA Times  

Firefighters extinguish a flare-up from the Airport fire at a horse corral on Robert Lucas’ property off Ortega Highway on Thursday in Lake Elsinore. Falling temperatures and rising humidity will give firefighters a brief window to gain more ground against three major Southern California wildfires, officials said Sunday. In San Bernardino County, the Line fire moved at a crawl over …

As weather conditions improve, firefighters make progress battling Southern California wildfires
4 months ago

As weather conditions improve, firefighters make progress battling Southern California wildfires

LA Times  

Assistant Chief Shawn Cate, right, and his crew with the Mount Baldy Fire Department survey the damage to homes from the Bridge fire along Bear Canyon Road on Thursday. Cooling weather gave firefighters a boost Saturday in their battle against three large Southern California wildfires that have scorched more than 100,000 acres, displaced thousands of residents in mountain communities and …

Shocking satellite images and videos show Southern California fires exploding
4 months ago

Shocking satellite images and videos show Southern California fires exploding

LA Times  

A resident stops to watch the Airport Fire burn near his home in the Santa Ana Mountains. As four fires grew in Southern California, new satellite images show their scale and the amount of smoke pouring east. California Southern California fires: Maps, evacuations and more details An overview of evacuation orders, shelter options, mental health resources, donation info and more …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
4 months ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:21 Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line …

Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes
4 months ago

Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes

LA Times  

Firefighters battling wildfires burning in Southern California are stretched thin amid a nationwide shortage of firefighters, aircraft and contractors. On Wednesday, more than 400 personnel, seven helicopters and four large air tankers were assigned to the Bridge fire, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team. Chris Cline, division chief with the Oregon Department of …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
4 months ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
4 months ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:21 Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
4 months ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least …

Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse
4 months ago

Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse

LA Times  

For the first time in years, Southern California has found itself once again besieged by wildfire. “The odds definitely favor a continuation — and maybe even an escalation — of Southern California fire season over the next couple of months,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA. “Normally what’s the most damaging and destructive time of the year for …

Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave
4 months ago

Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave

Hindustan Times  

Wildfires fueled by soaring temperatures in the western United States have scorched thousands of acres, forcing hundreds of families to flee, US officials said Monday. Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave A blaze burning out of a control near Los Angeles sparked mandatory evacuations as it tore through swathes of tinder-dry California countryside around popular tourist spots. "Dangerous heat …

Hotter, drier and all-around different: How climate change will alter your life in L.A.
4 months ago

Hotter, drier and all-around different: How climate change will alter your life in L.A.

LA Times  

There is an episode of “The Twilight Zone” in which Earth is getting closer to the sun. “Urban design is what will make us have an agreeable, beautiful city where we will feel like we’re members of an important place,” she said. “It’s been really hard for our mountain lion populations down here in Southern California to be able to …

Skies above Southern California wildfire looked like ‘a nuclear warhead had been set off’
4 months ago

Skies above Southern California wildfire looked like ‘a nuclear warhead had been set off’

LA Times  

Firefighters from the Mill Creek hotshot crew monitor the Line fire burning over a ridge off Highway 38 on Monday. “It was a giant mushroom with compact billowy clouds and crazy smoke rings around it on the plume coming up.” As mountain residents remained on guard, firefighting crews in Southern California continued to battle out-of-control wildfires Monday that had scorched …

Brutal heat wave breaks records across Southern California. When will it ease up?
4 months ago

Brutal heat wave breaks records across Southern California. When will it ease up?

LA Times  

Southern California continues to be battered by extreme heat that will continue for one more day after sending temperature records tumbling all weekend. 93-103 degrees; valleys: 103-111 degrees Tuesday: Los Angeles 80s-90s; valleys: 94-102 Wednesday: Los Angeles 70s-80s; valleys mid-80s Thursday: Los Angeles 70s-80s; valleys: mid-80s Records Several heat records were tied or broken across the region Monday, according to …

As California swelters, climate officials declare Summer 2024 the hottest on record
4 months, 1 week ago

As California swelters, climate officials declare Summer 2024 the hottest on record

LA Times  

As Southern California swelters under its most punishing heat wave of the year, international climate officials have confirmed that summer 2024 was Earth’s hottest on record. The global average temperature in June, July and August — known as the boreal summer in the Northern hemisphere — was a record-breaking 62.24 degrees, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. …

Hillside erosion worsening in California due to wildfires and intense rain
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Hillside erosion worsening in California due to wildfires and intense rain

LA Times  

Over the last three decades, California has seen increasing erosion after major wildfires — a phenomenon that not only endangers water resources and ecosystems, but is also likely to worsen with climate change, according to researchers. “In Northern California, we really see this huge increase from the first decade to the second to the third to the fourth,” said Helen …

Discover Related