Firefighters in Los Angeles declared full containment of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires on Friday, ending a three-week battle that killed around 30 people and displaced thousands.
The fires, which began on January 7, scorched over 37,000 acres, destroyed more than 10,000 homes, and caused damages estimated between $250 to $275 billion.
Fueled by severe drought conditions and Santa Ana winds intensified by climate change, the wildfires became the most destructive in the city’s history. Authorities have lifted evacuation orders, though investigations into the fires’ cause continue.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized recovery efforts aimed at safely rebuilding homes, while Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced increased security presence in affected areas. A climate study indicated that global warming had made the conditions fueling these infernos approximately 35% more likely.
