To the City We Love: Discussing the Los Angeles Area Wildfires
When some think about fire, they may think about their favorite candles, the warmth of bonfires, the heat of passion, or burning love. However, in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires that ignited on January 7, it’s likely that this word has been redefined; coining itself a disparate meaning, and carrying a far heavier weight.
To Los Angelenos, and California natives like myself, wildfires are far from unfamiliar territory. This city has encountered numerous deeply destructive wildfires in past decades, each resulting in its own form of heart wrenching loss. Though, few have been comparable to what the city has gone through this past week, and what it continues to go through as firefighters work to contain the flames that have collectively destroyed over 12,000 structures.
According to Los Angeles city and county officials, these fires were the perfect storm event; hurricane force winds, combined with unseasonably dry conditions, and multiple ignition points breaking out in the same region. These conditions made it impossible to deploy critical aircrafts needed to drop water and fire retardant during peak fire hours. This is why we have seen fires spreading at such a rapid pace through drought ravaged communities. Ultimately, the scale of destruction has been catastrophic, leaving over 100,000 people displaced from homes and jobs.
As of January, 13, a total of 40,300 acres have burned between the Pacific Palisades fire stretching across the Santa Monica Mountains, Eaton fire near Altadena, and the Hurst fire near Sylmar. To contextualize the sheer magnitude of this damage, Paris is 26,000 acres. The death toll has risen to 25 as firefighters try to confine blazes, and homeowners continue to put their lives on the line to save their homes, loved ones, and pets.
Image Courtesy: Kevin Cooley, Redux
Growing up in Southern California, the Santa Ana winds have always played prominent roles in sparking unpredictable wildfires and creating less than favorable weather. These winds are the same winds that made my hair curl and shivers trickle down my spine growing up. They are the same winds that bring herds of goats to eat brush off the Laguna hills each year. We know them all too well. As the National Weather Service issues another red flag warning from the Ventura County coastline through the Los Angeles metro area, more of these detrimental winds have been forecasted to reach 70 mph lasting through January 15.
As a member of Strike Los Angeles, I take immense pride in the city I’ve grown to call my home. This is a place that sparks creativity, allows for individuality, and embraces all walks of life with open arms. Our team recognizes the privilege we hold in getting to create in a city that is renown for its landmarks, talent, and history.
Supporting one another and providing a shoulder to lean on is imperative during times like these. I sat down with Strike Los Angeles member, and Topanga local, Talei Ferra to listen to her story and try to understand the experiences and emotions she has undergone this past week.
Image Courtesy: David Swanson, Reuters
Tasha Karam: “I know you grew up in Topanga and Malibu, in the heart of where the largest Los Angeles area fire is burning. What has this past week felt like? If you feel comfortable, can you describe the experience of almost losing your house?”
Talei Ferra: “It’s hard to put into words but the feeling of almost losing my home was that of irrepressible and unbearable vulnerability and discomfort. It was surreal to have to sit back and monitor my area through fire maps and news channels alone, many of which were catalysts of misinformation.”
Tasha Karam: “Would you be willing to share whether you know any friends or family who have directly been affected by these fires?”
Talei Ferra: “I know many people personally who have unfortunately lost everything, including family… My community is experiencing immense grief at this time and the repercussions of such losses are long lasting. On a positive note, I am amazed by the amount of collective effort, dedication, and support occurring across the city; it shines some light and hope on an otherwise appalling situation.”
Tasha Karam: “These fires have taken much more than homes in their flames. Have there been any places that you hold close to your heart that are no longer standing? Places like restaurants, malls, plazas, schools, etc.”
Talei Ferra: “I’ve spent my entire life in this pocket of the city. I am devastated by the loss of Cholada Thai, the iconic beach shack along PCH that has until now withstood something like 25 years of local fires. It was a summer staple… we would head there after a long day at the beach. The Palisades Village holds so many memories of growing up, Cafe Vida, Pali High. There are so many others… My favorite walk up on Tuna Canyon lining my neighborhood has been reduced to ashes along with Will Rogers State Park and Carbon Beach. The Malibu Feed Bin was especially nostalgic… a place where everyone would get their chickens and other pets, prepare their gardens each spring, and pop in for a last minute Christmas tree or pumpkin around the holidays. These places are so much more than the things they sell or offer; they’ve served as the backbone of the west sides’ culture for so long.”
Image Courtesy: Ethan Swope, AP
It’s difficult for me to fully comprehend what many people are feeling - the weight and sorrow of losing your home and every belonging and keepsake within its walls. As our city and its people mourn this loss, I believe it’s critical for us all to remind ourselves that the larger implications of these fires do not end once our city is finally freed of flames. The end of the Los Angeles area fires merely mark the start of a very long journey towards rebuilding and healing. These fires have brought about a sense of urgency from the community, a wave of support and care that must continue in the following years.
I am inspired by our community. By the fashion brands opening their doors to those who have been left with nothing but the clothing on their backs. By the thousands of volunteers. By those donating to fire stations and families. Our heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the fires. The loss this city is facing is beyond comprehension and I urge our community to seek refuge in one another. Below is a list of links and resources to aid those who have been displaced as a result of the wildfires.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Rebuilding Together Greater Los Angeles
Strike Out,
Tasha Karam
Los Angeles
