LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — With wildfires burning through Southern California nearly an hour away, students at Los Alamitos High School expressed concern over air quality, with some choosing to stay home on Friday, Jan. 10. Despite being far away from the Los Angeles wildfires, toxins carried by the Santa Ana winds have introduced them locally. Although the faint smell of smoke disappeared and air quality returned to normal, LA and nearby cities still feel effects of the fires.

“An extended period of critical fire weather conditions will continue across the Southland through midweek due to the combination of gusty winds, very low humidities and a lack of rainfall,” the National Weather Service said.

The wildfires burning in LA County have become a historically costly and deadly event, with the Eaton and Palisades fires both becoming one of the top five most destructive fires in California history. Rebuilding is estimated at $30 billion for insurers and $10 billion for non-insured residents. 25 people have been confirmed dead: nine deaths from the Palisades fire and 16 from the Eaton fire. In total, there are 31 missing people in LA County and three believed to be dead.

“It’s a tragedy,” LAHS sophomore Emily Munoz said.

The Palisades fire was the first to ignite on the morning of Jan. 7, and was located close to Skull Rock and along the Temescal Ridge Trail in Topanga State Park. 

The Eaton and the Palisades fire have been the largest fires and the least contained so far. The Palisades fire is 22% contained and has spread 23,713 acres. The Eaton Fire is 55% contained and has spread 14,117 acres across LA County, according to Cal Fire.  

On Jan. 7, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to the Palisades fire. This allowed him to assess and deploy resources that otherwise would not have been accessible.

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Wildfires seen from a building in downtown LA. (Photo courtesy of Lorin Neiger)

As fingers begin to point at what or who was responsible for the fires, the possibilities of arson and the timing of the New Year’s fireworks have been laid out. Additionally, several lawsuits have been filed against Southern California Edison over claims that they failed to turn off power despite knowing of strong winds. Investigations revealed that the Maui Fire was a product of remnants of a fire that was buried and uncovered by winds several hours later. It is possible that something similar happened after a New Year’s fire sparked from fireworks; as embers may have stayed hot and sparked a fire from winds a week later.

Two suspects have been arrested for separate arson incidents. One suspect was arrested for lighting a trash can on fire, and the other tried to burn a tree. Both suspects admitted to committing arson. 

“Investigators have made it clear that it could take time to reach firm conclusions about the cause of the fire,” the New York Times reported.

Two helicopters are on a lease to the U.S. from Canada. Both have made dozens of flights and water drops to extinguish the fires. You can track the helicopters by using Flightradar24. Helicopters, often referred to as “super scoopers,” have been picking up water from bays and lakes and dropping water from the sky to extinguish wildfires. A hole due to an undetected civilian drone collision was discovered in Jan. 9 when a helicopter landed, causing the helicopter to be grounded for three days for repairs. Following the collision, two more firefighting aircrafts have been sent to California. This incident prompted an FBI investigation into those responsible for flying the drone. 

“In the days following the firestorm, the state has continued to work with local, state, out-of-state and international partners to augment response efforts,” Governor Newsom said.

Despite the historic loss, Californians, states and nations have come together to aid in relief efforts. Canada and Mexico have sent first responders to aid in putting out the fires while centers have been so overwhelmed by donations they have had to turn people away.

Sympathy for those affected by this disaster has quickly spread throughout the local community. LAHS recently had a drive where three U-Haul trucks were filled with donations from a drive on Sunday involving multiple clubs.

“I feel really bad for the animals there because they have to leave their homes to find another one,” LAHS sophomore Marilyn Solis said.

Below are resources and places to donate items to support those who lost their homes in the fires.