Los Angeles County was set ablaze on Jan. 7, as several raging wildfires rapidly spread across the city. The effects of the flames continue to impact Southern California residents as they have contaminated the air quality, forced thousands to relocate, and costed millions of dollars of damage throughout LA.
At approximately 10:15 A.M. on what seemed to be a typical Tuesday morning, Pacific Palisades resident Michel Valentine called 911 to report smoke near the site of what became the Lochman fire. By 12:30 P.M., just two hours later, evacuation orders were in effect and almost 300 acres of land was in flames.
“If I had to describe my experience in one word it would be: terrifying. The schools our kids went to, the grocery stores we shopped at – it’s all gone,” said former Pacific Palisades resident CJ Schellenberg.
The cause of these fires still remains unknown and under investigation nearly five months later. However, the Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is facing ongoing legal cases, as evidence suggests the Eaton fire may have ignited due to an issue with the company’s overhead wires. The incessant drought plaguing California throughout the last few years and the 80 mile per hour winds contributed to the strength and force of these fires.
As of Jan. 22 the fires are predicted to cost a staggering $250 billion, making them one of the most expensive disasters in LA and United States history. They have also costed the lives of 30 civilians, 17 of which were killed by the Eaton fires alone. Additionally, 12,000 buildings, homes, and schools, have been burned to the ground.
Schellenberg was forced to evacuate his home and community, which was significantly damaged by the fires. He and his family, along with many other evacuees, have been staying in Manhattan Beach since the fire and are unsure where they will be living going forward. “What home is there to go back to?” Schellenberg posited.
Neighboring cities experienced direct impacts of these fires as well, most notably extremely unhealthy air quality throughout the week of Jan. 7. The air quality index in Manhattan Beach, for instance, peaked at 193 that day, which inflicted harmful side effects on SoCal residents, particularly those with respiratory issues.
“My wife, as well as my two sons, live with asthma, and the poor air quality has continued to be a challenge,” Schellenberg said. “But the community and people in Manhattan Beach, where we have been temporarily relocated, have been incredibly welcoming. The compassion and warmth that we have experienced from our friends and the community has been truly moving.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom along with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, received their fair share of backlash and blame from people across the city. President Donald Trump pointed fingers at Newsom, accusing him of refusing to sign a water restoration declaration that would have potentially helped to slow the fires. Over 125,000 LA citizens responded in outrage to Bass’s leadership during these difficult times, as she was in Ghana during the eruption of the fires.
“This fire has completely upended the lives of every member of our community,” Schellenberg said. “Our focus now is to help our loved ones, friends, and neighbors get through the difficult rebuilding years ahead.”
