Climate & Environment

Why Los Angeles, America's most fire-ready city, became overwhelmed by flames

In a city prone to large natural disasters, L.A. firefighters are widely considered to be among the best in the business at knocking down urban wildfires. But in the extreme conditions lately, experts say little can be done even to slow these modern fires.

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firefighters stand on a ridge as a chopper dumps water.

With fire danger still high, authorities implore you to follow evacuation orders. Lives are at stake

Heroic rescues. Heartbreaking tragedies. And no need for many of them, emergency response leaders say.

Two people pull wheeled luggage and carry bags along a street. One has a dog on a leash.

How a high-end Santa Monica boutique pivoted to help fire victims

Palisades fire victims can get everything from clothes to toiletries to dog food, donated by their neighbors at a Santa Monica shop known for posh dress rentals.

A street scene, in front of a series of glass store fronts. On the sidewalk is a pile of donated goods, like plastic bags of clothese and diaper boxes, next to a sign that says DONORS PLEASE LINE UP HERE

Why right-wing influencers are blaming the California wildfires on diversity efforts

Prominent right-wing influencers are claiming that the response to the Los Angeles wildfires was hampered by workplace diversity policies. It's part of a wider strategy to discredit those policies.

Photos: Southern California residents return to devastation as two major wildfires rage on

At least 153,000 Los Angelenos have had to evacuate their homes and about 166,000 people were under evacuation warnings as of Saturday, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department.

Fact check: Could brush clearance have prevented the Palisades Fire?

LAist dives into the science behind the claim that the brush clearance would have 'significantly mitigated' the destruction and losses.

Are more fires popping up in LA than normal? What we know

“We have a lot of abnormal incidents that are layered over our normal everyday operations, which makes it seem even worse,” an LAFD spokesperson said.

A large beige structure burns as black smoke billows into the sky. A red fire truck is parked in the front.

FAQs: The LAist newsroom is answering your questions about the fires

If you have a question about the firestorm, let the LAist newsroom know.

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.

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