Climate & Environment

What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires?

As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?

Archer Fire in Granada Hills brought under control

The fire broke out at about 10:25 a.m. Friday and was quickly doused by water-dropping aircraft.

A map of the northern San Fernando Valley with evacuations outlined.

California prisoners are battling wildfires in long-running and controversial practice

California has turned to incarcerated firefighters since 1915. To those opposed to the practice, the system is seen as exploitative.

Powerful winds fueling the California wildfires are expected through Friday

Red flag warnings are in effect for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as the National Weather Service warns that powerful winds and low humidity will increase the risk of fire.

What we know about the 27 wildfire fatalities, where they were found and how many remain missing

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed 27 deaths, a toll that rose after structure-to-structure searches by authorities.

Two people wearing respirators embrace amidst the rubble of burned down properties.

Before and after: See the wildfires' destructive force in satellite images of Malibu and Altadena

Satellite images show the extent of devastation from multiple wildfires burning in Los Angeles County after one day.

Aerial photo show numerous streets filled with burned out homes

Want to help fire victims? Here's what experts say does the most good

Aid organizations say money is generally most helpful.

A man in a wheelchair passes a home on fire as firefighters stand in the driveway. A white picket fence separates the yard from the street.

Kenneth Fire is now 100% contained at 1,052 acres after moving into Ventura County

The fire broke out in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve.

Large plumes of smoke rise above a mountain side as a plane drops a load of red fire retardant.

Angeles National Forest reaches 'critical' fire danger after closing to the public

The forest is closed to everyone, including to people who own cabins.

A sign at the entrance of Angeles National Forest telling visitors that it's closed due to the fire hazard.

How to talk to children about wildfires, evacuations and losing a home

Experts say parents should validate feelings and create avenues for kids to express themselves.

A fire fighter silhouetted by burning flames in the background stands in the driveway between two houses and hoses down the property. On both left and right ends of the frame two firefighters can be seen looking.

How will LA's devastating fire losses affect insurance and home costs?

The current fires are on track to become one of the most costly disasters in California history. That could threaten the stability of California's insurance market and make housing costs go up even more.

Palme trees sway in the wind as a home burns to the ground.

Fact check: What really happened with the Pacific Palisades hydrants?

Why did hydrants run dry in the midst of a conflagration? City officials stressed that the shortage was due to low water pressure, not a complete lack of water. But what caused it, and can it be prevented?

Two firefighters in yellow protective gear are running down a paved neighborhood street, with houses on the left hand side and in the background. Brown and gray wildfire smoke is billowing from behind the houses, contrasting against the small sliver of cloudy blue sky.

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