California Wildfires: What Caused Those Devastating Fires and Where are the Fires Now

Massive wildfires continue to rage across parts of Los Angeles, leaving at least 11 people dead and thousands of homes and businesses destroyed. As the fires burn through neighborhoods, including the upscale Pacific Palisades, investigators are working tirelessly to determine the cause of the devastating blazes that have forced over 150,000 residents to evacuate.

Investigators Exploring Multiple Causes

While lightning is a common cause of wildfires across the U.S., officials have ruled it out in the recent California fires. The blazes in Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas are suspected to have been sparked by other sources, but no definitive cause has been confirmed.

The origin of the Pacific Palisades fire has been traced to an area behind a residence on Piedra Morada Drive, overlooking a densely wooded arroyo. In Eaton, the fire started in east Los Angeles County and has already destroyed hundreds of homes. Investigators are closely examining potential ignition sources, including intentional acts and utility line sparks, which are among the most frequent causes of wildfires in California.

John Lentini, a leading fire expert, emphasized the methodology for investigating such large blazes, stating, “This was once a small fire. Investigators will focus on the point of origin and work backward to determine the cause.”

Utility Companies Under Scrutiny

Southern California Edison (SCE) submitted a report to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding the Eaton Fire. While the company reported no anomalies in its equipment operations before the fire’s ignition, it filed the report as a precaution following legal notices from insurance companies.

The CPUC requires all utilities to report any electrical incidents potentially linked to wildfires for further investigation. In the past, power lines have been responsible for significant blazes, such as the 2017 Thomas Fire, which was traced to Southern California Edison’s power lines and resulted in extensive damage.

Widespread Impact and Evacuations

The fires have led to widespread evacuations across Los Angeles County. Approximately 153,000 people are currently under mandatory evacuation orders, while another 166,000 are on evacuation alert. The destruction has been staggering, with over 10,000 structures burned and thousands more at risk.

Authorities have enforced a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in areas affected by the fires, citing concerns over looting. So far, 20 arrests have been made, and the National Guard has been deployed to assist local law enforcement in securing the evacuated zones.

Celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Billy Crystal, Mel Gibson, and Paris Hilton, have lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades fire, adding to the widespread devastation in the area.

Where are the Fires Now

There are at least five fires raging in the wider area, according to California fire officials:

• Palisades: The first fire to erupt on Tuesday and the biggest in the region, which could become the most destructive fire in state history. It has scorched a sizable part of land, coveringmore than 21,000 acres, including the upmarket Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. It was 8% contained as of Saturday morning
• Eaton: It has struck the northern part of Los Angeles, blazing through cities such as Altadena. It’s the second biggest fire in the area, burning nearly 14,000 acres. It is 3% contained
• Hurst: Located just north of San Fernando, it began burning on Tuesday night and has grown to 771 acres, and is 70% contained
• Lidia: It broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the mountainous Acton area north of Los Angeles and grew to cover almost 400 acres. Authorities say it has been 98% contained
• Kenneth: This new fire broke out on Thursday on the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. It so far covers more than 1,000 acres. Authorities say its progress has been stopped and it has been 50% contained, with no structures damaged or destroyed
• Archer: The fire started on Friday, blazing through Sesnon Boulevard, North of Meadowlark Avenue and Granada Hills areas. It currently covers 19 acres and is 0% contained

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

Over 10,000 firefighters have been deployed to combat the blazes, yet containment remains limited. The Palisades fire, covering over 21,000 acres, is only 8% contained, while the Eaton fire has consumed nearly 14,000 acres with just 3% containment. Other smaller fires, such as the Hurst and Lidia fires, have seen better containment progress, with 70% and 98% containment, respectively.

Firefighting efforts have been hindered by strong Santa Ana winds and extremely dry conditions, which have fueled the rapid spread of the fires. Wind speeds reaching up to 100 mph have created ideal conditions for wildfires, fanning flames and spreading embers across dry vegetation.

Water Supply Issues Spark Controversy

A significant political debate has emerged regarding the preparedness of Los Angeles for wildfires, particularly concerning water supply issues during the firefighting operations. Reports have surfaced of fire crews running out of water while battling flames in both Pacific Palisades and Pasadena.

Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent investigation into the water supply failures, particularly focusing on the closure of a reservoir for maintenance before the fires began. Firefighters reported low hydrant pressure due to simultaneous water usage and power disruptions affecting water pumps.

Climate Change and Fire Severity

Experts widely agree that climate change has intensified the severity of wildfires in California. The state has faced prolonged drought conditions, with minimal rainfall since October. The combination of dry conditions, heat, and strong winds has created a perfect storm for wildfires.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has linked climate change to increased wildfire risk, citing extended droughts and heatwaves as primary contributors to more frequent and intense fires in the western U.S.

Investigations Continue

While arson has not been officially confirmed, authorities remain vigilant. A man was arrested recently in connection with suspected fire-starting activity but has not yet been charged with arson.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized that the focus remains on saving lives and homes. However, he assured the public that if any intentional causes are discovered, those responsible would face the full extent of the law.

The Road Ahead

Despite easing winds, fire officials warn that the situation remains critical, with no rain expected in the coming week. Emergency alerts have been issued throughout Los Angeles, urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations.

As investigations continue and firefighters battle the remaining flames, California faces the grim reality of another devastating wildfire season, with questions lingering about preparedness, climate resilience, and accountability.