Climate & Environment

LA's fire hazard has grown. What does that mean for insurance?

California released new maps that will dictate building requirements in fire-prone areas. State officials say the updates aren’t supposed to influence insurance rates. Really?

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors in protective gear remove hazardous materials from a home which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, near a burned car marked "Not EV", on March 26, 2025 in Altadena, California.

Inside the tricky, complicated process of debris removal after LA's fires

As FEMA extends deadline to sign up for free debris removal, we explain different steps of the process.

Aerial photo show numerous streets filled with burned out homes

What's soil blocking? This seeding method helps gardeners use less plastic and peat

Soil blocking is an environmentally friendly method to prep seedlings. The technique has captured the attention of serious gardeners who'd like to make their growing more sustainable.

California snowpack below average — what does this mean for water supplies?

At 90% of the state historical average, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is far better than last year. But it’s nothing like the record-smashing 2023.

Three people wearing blue jackets and black pants stand in a field covered in snow. A man in the foreground is bending over, looking at a blue metal rod that is used to measure the depth of snow.

Fire debris removal deadline extended for LA County

Residents now have until April 15 to sign up for the government's free debris removal program. The program now includes condos, not just single-family homes.

The charred remains of what used to be the interior of a home, with a stone fireplace sticking out from the rubble.

Patchy drizzle then sunny conditions for SoCal

More patchy drizzle in store this morning followed by mostly sunny skies all afternoon.

Gray clouds above a street with store fronts on both sides

How to talk to children about Jackie and Shadow’s chick dying and other losses in life

When the chick died in a snowstorm, teachers suddenly had to get real with their students. Here’s how some of them handled it.

Three kids drawings of bald eagles are sitting on top of a black and white background.

After LA's wildfires, firefighters show high levels of toxic metals in their blood

Preliminary data shows that firefighters who battled urban wildfires in L.A. had more mercury and lead in their blood than firefighters who'd responded to forest fires.

A wide view of a firefighter holding up a hose that's spraying a strong stream of water onto a burning home that appears to be two stories. The scene is smokey and red with flames and plants in view.

Why some Los Angeles homes are being built to resist wildfires — and some aren't

California is one of the few states with building codes for wildfire protection because using fire-resistant materials helps homes survive.

Overcast conditions for SoCal with partial sunshine later on

Low clouds from the coast will continue to cover most of SoCal today, with some areas seeing partial sunlight.

A row of homes on an overcast day at Sunset Beach in Orange County. According to Sean Vitousek, Sunset Beach is one of the beaches in Southern California that is most feeling the effects of coastal erosion.

Deadline for LA fire victims to opt in to debris clean-up program is close. Here's why it matters

Two thousand property owners still need to make a decision, according to L.A. County Public Works.

Want to improve your local park? LA city parks officials want to hear from you

LA city park officials are asking residents to fill out a survey to share their thoughts about how to improve local parks. The survey is available until mid-April.

A trail passes winds through a mountain. A cityscape is in the distance.

Hey, LA listener!

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