Students Mourn For Los Angeles in the Midst of Wildfires

Los Angeles Wildfires Continue to Ravage Eaton Canyon and the Palisades

On January 7, 2025, ongoing wildfires erupted in the Eaton Canyon and Palisades areas of Los Angeles. The cause of these wildfires remains unknown, as firefighters continue to combat the blazes among harsh Santa Ana Winds. Natural causes and arson are both causes being investigated. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, containment measures are at 31 percent and 65 percent for the Palisades and Eaton Canyon, respectively. The number of confirmed deaths is currently 27, however, it continues to rise. 

Both wildfires have burned across 37,830 acres, destroying 4,002 structures and damaging thousands more. As entire neighborhoods are laid to waste, the wildfires are projected to be among the most expensive in U.S. history. According to commercial weather forecasting service AccuWeather, the damage and economic loss is an estimated $52-$57 billion. 

The UC San Diego community has personally experienced the horrible loss and destruction caused by the wildfires. When asked how he has been affected, UCSD third-year student and North Pasadena resident Francis “Ben” Ferguson said, “I did grow up in the Altadena community, walking to school every day, going to church there, among many other experiences.” Fires raged three blocks from Ben’s house, forcing his family to evacuate as he stressed over being far from home during a trying time. “For me, the biggest loss was the memories,” said Ben. “My local park where I played little league and basketball; my first job, Altadena Hardware Store, where you would know every third customer and every second would know you.”

Despite the memories lost, Ben was grateful that the community had come together to help those affected. “If you wish to help, donate to any of the GoFundMes,” said Ben, emphasizing that any donation helps, no matter how small. Anyone is also encouraged to donate to organizations aiding in wildfire recovery. Listed are helpful resources: American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, Salvation Army, Direct Relief, and Pasadena Humane Society.

Benjamin Alvarez is a staff writer for The Triton