January 7, 2025, was a devastating date for Californians. Twenty-nine civilians lost their lives on Feb. 4. 16,251 structures were destroyed, and the Easton fire took over 9,000 acres. The Palisades fire erupted on Jan. 7 in the Pacific Palisades area and burned around 23,488 acres before being declared 100% contained the following Friday.
California is no stranger to summer wildfires. However, this January outbreak outlier was fueled by unusually severe fire weather conditions. Warmer temperatures seen earlier that week show that California experienced a drought, causing drier climates for a faster spread of the devastating fire.
“My mom’s younger brother and his wife lived in Los Angeles…they have not been affected yet, but it has almost happened,” junior Charlotte Price said.
Other Vikings with relatives in the area of the California wildfires have been worried for their safety.
“Somewhat…both my grandparents are sort of out of the way of it, but it definitely causes a lot of dreams and can affect a student’s mental health,” sophomore Sadie Reveles said.
Any students that are currently or have been affected by this disaster are able to talk to a counselor or the mental health specialist here at the LSHS. hope and prayers that this disaster soon comes to an end.
