Dilara Ozgur
Overview
The three recent wildfires sweeping across the United States’ second-largest city have caused unmatched devastation among local communities, resulting in at least 25 deaths, over 40,588 acres (9/10 the size of Washington D.C) of land burnt, and more than 12,000 structures destroyed (Baldwin, Czachor, & Dakss, 2025). As of January 17, 2025, three significant wildfires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area: the Palisades Fire, which is suspected to have reignited from a previous brush fire; the Eaton Fire, believed to have been sparked by an electrical power line; and the Hurst Fire, which was caused by a downed power line (Baldwin, Czachor, & Dakss, 2025).
Who is affected?
Low-income individuals
As the fires compel households to evacuate their residences, individuals lacking financial security or stable income are disproportionately impacted. Many low-income households may not have the financial resources to seek temporary accommodation or replace lost items, making disaster recovery increasingly difficult. This destruction of homes and property exacerbates the existing housing problem in Los Angeles, where affordable options are already scarce, forcing displaced people into a competitive and expensive rental market. Although it is impermissible by law to increase rent by more than 10% after a state of emergency is declared, Los Angeles landlords have jacked up housing prices to as much as 124%, further exacerbating the risk of homelessness (Zilber, 2025).
Elderly and disabled individuals
The elderly and individuals with disabilities are especially vulnerable during this period, as they often contend with mobility challenges and pre-existing health conditions, which may make evacuation more strenuous. These physical disadvantages could hinder safe and rapid evacuation during an emergency, increasing the risk of harm. Additionally, during a wildfire, access to healthcare can be severely disrupted, posing a significant threat to those who require extensive medical attention or specific medications. Furthermore, patients with limited mobility face the challenge of navigating complex terrain once they evacuate their homes.
Animals
Both domestic and wild animals face the risk of displacement from their habitats. Domestic pet owners may find themselves compelled to leave their pets in shelters, as hotels may not permit animals. As a result, local animal shelters are seeing a surge of displaced animals. According to NPR, shelters struggle to manage the increased number of pets, with organisations like the Pasadena Humane Society taking in more than 400 animals harmed by wildfires (Hu, Kellman, 2025). Wild animals such as mountain lions, reptiles, bears, and other mammals face dire circumstances as the flames destroy their habitats.
How much will be lost?
The wildfires, especially because of the areas affected, are expected to have a massive economic impact, with total damages and financial losses estimated to be between $250 billion and $275 billion. According to AccuWeather, these wildfires are set to become one of the most costly natural disasters in American history. These costs mainly derive from high property values, damaged infrastructure, and significant disruptions to local businesses and public services (Kelly, 2025).
Conclusion
The wildfires in Los Angeles have unleashed unprecedented devastation, claiming lives, destroying homes, and displacing countless animals. Vulnerable populations, particularly low-income individuals and those with disabilities, face significant challenges as a result of this disaster. With tremendous economic loss and scarcity of housing, the need for comprehensive recovery efforts is urgent. As communities begin to heal, it is essential to prioritise support for local residents and those impacted by the wildfires while also addressing the systemic issues that exacerbate such crises.
Cover Image Credits: Pinterest
Sources
Hu, S., & Kellman, B. (2025, January 15). California wildfires: Animal shelters struggle to keep up with influx of displaced pets. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2025/01/15/g-s1-42497/california-wildfires-animal-shelters
CBS News. (2025, January 17). What to know about the Los Angeles fires and California winds. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/la-fires-southern-california-containment-efforts/
Daily News. (2025, January 14). What caused Palisades, Eaton fires in LA County? Multiple investigations look for answers. Daily News. https://www.dailynews.com/2025/01/14/what-caused-palisades-eaton-fires-in-la-county-multiple-investigations-look-for-answers/
California Apartment Association. (2025, January 16). Governor extends protections against rent gouging tied to L.A. firestorms. CAA Net. https://caanet.org/governor-extends-protections-against-rent-gouging-tied-to-l-a-firestorms/
AccuWeather. (2025, January 16). AccuWeather estimates more than $250 billion in damages and economic loss from L.A. wildfires. AccuWeather. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-estimates-more-than-250-billion-in-damages-and-economic-loss-from-la-wildfires/1733821
Yahoo News. (2025, January 17). Cost of Los Angeles wildfires damage could exceed $250 billion. Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/cost-los-angeles-wildfires-damage-090101285.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFK57ANDrePcTIcn8-bxH2JMhcJwa2wkyGG88nH1o0aWl8Bscwl-jg3n_ia9gC8B9TIqxSzOFfoPRLZWsXexqLU9-qds2m-v2saBAPQXYMJzzMK4fXIFK374GQxwGEWrbLa9qQbffCqb-Q6kUWTGwGgm9pWZ80RI9kkpaTJLiM_N
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