February 6, 2025
Centerspread/Main Feature Story for School Newspaper
by Tara Malhotra
Introduction:
Goosebumps spread across my skin as I breathed in a frighteningly thick smoke. I looked out the window at the burning hills surrounding my neighborhood before grabbing a suitcase and throwing in any items that seemed essential. As someone who has experienced wildfire evacuation multiple times before—which could last up to a week—I was nervous but felt optimistic that this disaster would pass soon.
Little did I know, these devastating blazes would soon make 2025 the second-most destructive wildfire year in California history. For countless Angelenos, the experience I described is all too familiar.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 17 raging wildfires ravaged Southern California throughout January. The fires resulted in 29 deaths, damaged or ruined 18,000 buildings, and pushed over 200,000 people to evacuate.
The most prominent fires included the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades along with the Eaton Fire in Altadena. Cable News Network reported that these fires will likely be ranked the fourth and second-most destructive fires in California history, respectively.
The trauma caused by these fires is beyond comprehension, especially for many members of our school’s community who lost their homes or were forced to evacuate; our communities will forever be altered by the fear and devastation that the wildfires left behind. Yet, as we begin to rebuild Southern California, there is hope that we can support each other to heal the scars from the fires and shape a more resilient future.
Story:
As of Feb. 1, the Los Angeles wildfires have reached 100% containment according to the Los Angeles Times. Both the Palisades and Eaton Fires will go down in California history as two of the deadliest and most damaging fires. After an incredibly stressful three weeks for Californians filled with loss, evacuations, and uncertain waiting, the confirmed containment can bring a feeling of relief.
CAL FIRE reported that the Palisades Fire ultimately demolished 6,800 buildings—primarily in the Pacific Palisades—and burned 23,448 acres of land. The Eaton Fire, on the other hand, ruined 9,400 structures—mainly in Altadena—and disrupted 14,021 acres. The Los Angeles Times currently lists 14 people as missing due to these two fires.
The devastation does not stop there. With extensive damage comes a long rebuilding process, and fixing these communities will likely take hundreds of billions of dollars. In fact, Calmatters communicated that insurance companies have already paid out $4.2 billion to wildfire survivors.
In addition to cost and destruction, the wildfires and their lasting environmental impact can cause severe health issues. The Air Quality Research Center at the University of California, Davis found that air pollutants from fires can result in respiratory infections, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s disease in the worst scenarios.
In light of the intense recovery that is needed following the wildfires, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is focusing on supporting community members and preventing future fires.
Kathryn Barger, chairwoman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the board’s current efforts and upcoming support initiatives.
“While the fire is now fully contained, my focus and undivided attention remains on recovery efforts, supporting those affected, and mitigating future fire risks. I will continue working closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure our communities have the resources they need to rebuild and prepare for future wildfire threats. Together, we will continue strengthening our response and resilience,” Barger said in an official statement.
It is important to acknowledge that the end of the fires does not erase the deep trauma and lasting damage they caused. In vulnerable times like these, we must come together to heal and support each other. Stress levels are higher than ever, yet we are expected to return to a sense of normalcy despite the challenges and losses we have endured.
The Public Broadcasting Service found that up to 60% of adults can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for around six months following a traumatic wildfire. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center emphasized that heightened levels of anxiety, depression, numbness, and disconnection from emotions are all common psychological responses to such distressing events.
Stress shows up differently for everyone, which adds to complexions when moving forward. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward moving forward, but the harder part is finding solutions that work for each individual.
Dr. Itai Danovitch, the chair of Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, wrote about the significance of personalized coping strategies on the center’s website.
“There is no one-size-fits-all response to the challenges we’re facing, and adapting to stress can take time, but it helps to pinpoint specific sources of worry. Is there nervousness about the safety of loved ones or a home? Is it the long-term impact on the community or uncertainty about air quality? Knowing this can help manage anxiety in a constructive way,” Danovitch said.
The National Center for PTSD has a few main tips to combat this stress. The center suggests taking one day at a time and focusing on maintaining specific routines. It is also beneficial to limit media intake, especially excessive stories about the wildfires that can become emotionally overwhelming. To manage emotions, the center recommends practicing breathing exercises, talking with loved ones, walking in nature, journaling, and listening to music.
These tips are not perfect solutions and may not work for everyone. However, engaging in mindful practices can be incredibly beneficial, as they can potentially bring peace to an anxious mind.
We cannot change the past, but we can take meaningful action to recover and improve our mental health moving forward. While the scars of these disasters may never fully fade, our ability to rebuild and support each other will shape a resilient future together.
Firefighters looking out at scorched mountains. Photo courtesy of the American Broadcasting Company.
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