On January 7th, 2025, a fear rushed through California’s citizens. Black smoke filled the air, ash and embers landed in the surrounding locations. Disaster first struck Pacific Palisades then spread through over 40,000 acres in the surrounding communities. Over 1000 homes have been destroyed, 5,300+ homes have been severely damaged, and 12,200+ are threatened by the fire. We have lost over 24 people to this aggressive fire.
As most of us face this fear of what’s next, or if the victim’s family are okay, people resort to making jokes about the situation. Although many use comedy as a coping mechanism, many people truly are losing their lives and homes to this tragedy. As outsiders of this disaster, we are faced with confusion, fear, denial, and so much more. Many may think: Is there anything I can do? Is my home next? Is this avoidable? The answers to these questions are based on how predictable the spread of the fire might be. On January 30, 2025 the Pacific Palisades fire was 97% contained but still continues to ruin many lives.
Those who are on the verge of losing their houses or already have evacuated have been faced with one of the hardest questions: What can they take? Many are filled with such a confused, heartbroken, blurred mindset. So many memories and treasures are in every individual’s home and when unprepared, everything comes in such a blur it seems unreal. Thousands have worked to get where they are at and if it’s not already gone it may be gone very soon.
As California works to overcome this tragedy, many unaffected residents have donated things such as blankets, canned foods, jackets, and any more necessary items to stay safe during this terrible time. Some Mexican citizens have even gone out of their way as volunteer firefighters to help L.A. We hope these fires come to an end as soon as possible. We also hope for the best of those involved. If you have fallen victim to these fires we send you our best of wishes.
The Pacific Palisades fire has run through so much land and ruined many lives. I can only speak for myself but as an outsider it kills me knowing I can’t do more than just donate and offer an open ear. With many surrounding rumors around who, how, and why the fires started, California’s citizens are left in uncertainty. Around 36.638 miles of land was affected by the Palisades fire and due to ash and joules from the Pacific Palisades fire, other fires have arisen from that.
So much darkness opened up the year 2025. The intense wildfires, ICE raids, the possible cancellation of black history month, and so much more. To anyone who has been affected by any of these terrible issues, I wish you the best. It’s just the very beginning of the year but all disasters make the recipient a stronger person. Hopefully society will come out of this disaster stronger together.
