LA Wildfires
Los Angeles County is engulfed in its costliest wildfire battle in history.
What’s happening?
As of last night, five active wildfires (see map) were burning in LA County. The blazes had claimed at least 10 lives and forced nearly 180,000 people to evacuate.
Where are the fires?
The largest, most destructive fire—the Palisades Fire—has scorched nearly 20,000 acres (31 square miles), destroying thousands of homes (see video) between Santa Monica and Malibu.
Just north of the Palisades fire, the Kenneth Fire broke out yesterday afternoon, spreading across nearly a thousand acres in a matter of hours.
North of Pasadena, the Eaton Fire has burned more than 13,000 acres, destroyed 4,000 buildings, and caused “significant injuries.”
Further north, near Santa Clarita, the Lidia Fire and the Hurst Fire have together torched over 1,100 acres.
Over 7,500 California first responders and 160 engines from other states have been deployed to combat the fires. As of writing, the Kenneth and Eaton Fires were 0% contained, the Palisades Fire was 6% contained, the Hurst Fire was 40% contained, and the Lidia Fire was 60% contained.
How did the fires start?
The cause of each fire is under investigation, but wind gusts up to 100 mph, dry air, and vegetation-covered hills created a situation “about as bad as it gets.”
What’s the response been?
Governor Newsom (D-CA) issued a state of emergency Tuesday, and President Biden met with firefighting officials in LA on Wednesday, directing a “full federal response.”
President-elect Trump noted that some fire hydrants had run dry, saying government mismanagement of water contributed to the crisis.
Californians are on alert as strong winds continue in the region, increasing the risk of new fires starting through “ember attacks” and the spread of smoke-polluted air.
BE DOERS
As we wait for the redemption of creation itself, believers can share our hope through radical generosity and service.
Join us in supporting disaster victims in California’s Wildfires. We’ll match the first $2,000 given to Operation Blessing*, a faith-based non-profit with boots on the ground and a record of doing great work.
“For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly, but because of him who subjected it — in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.”
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)