News

Far from the Fire, but a Picture of Our Future

Jimena Gonzalez and Emily Varghese • January 14, 2025

Disaster destroying a community, the continual fires of L.A. photo shared from L.A. resident with Allyson McGowan

As of last week, a place known for its dreamers and creators comes to a crash as a red ashy sky fills California’s horizon.

With just a few weeks into 2025, California has faced horrendous fires fueled by dry conditions and the Santa Ana winds. Together, these enemies have produced fast-moving and dangerous fire outbreaks in California and its neighboring states. According to CNN, the California wildfires have burned over 34,000 acres of land, causing devastating damage to the homes of hundreds of Californian residents.

In consideration of Californias proximity to the equator and large populus, there is no doubt that wildfires would occur. However, most of these fires have been a result of the massive fossil fuel production and the circumstance of powerlines stretched throughout CA.

Unfortunately, the lives of many have been placed at risk of pulmonary diseases and physical burns due to the extreme conditions resulted by the climate change crisis. With growing populations and increase of fossil fuel use, the concern for the air pollution –and the heat that comes alongside it– has become a major dilemma in the 21st century.

Yet these fires have echoed past California, for example Long Island’s 2012 wildfire in the Pine Barrens of Manorville and Ridge. Due to this fire a sum of 1,100 acres of land was burned including the homes of many. Like the current conditions of California, Long Island’s fire was intensified by dry conditions and intense winds, serving as a reminder that no area is immune to wildfire risks, especially with the increasing climate crisis that continues to haunt our planet.

While the circumstances are unfortunate, Pat-Med aims to help those injured and in harm from wildfires. The PMHS Red Cross club plans to support those individuals, ask Mr. DeMarco for any questions. The Intercambio Club also plans to hold a 50/50 fundraiser at the 2025 Multicultural Fair to collect donations for the Californian residents.