LA Wildfires Case Study

Question 1

What caused the LA wildfire

Answer 1

Utility equipment failures - investigators said the fire may have started due to Southern California Edison

Human activities - fires that had been set off on New Year’s Eve

Climate change - rising global temperatures made dryer conditions, making a fire more likely

Weather conditions - strong winds helped move the fire

Question 2

What were the primary impacts of the fires

Answer 2

At least 29 fatalities

16,000 buildings destroyed

150,000 people displaced

Over 50,000 acres burned leading to habitat loss

Fires damage toll estimated at $275 billion

Question 3

What were the secondary impacts of the fires

Answer 3

Health issues - there was an increase in respiratory illness and disease due to smoke inhalation

Insurance - insurance companies under extreme stress, Swiss Re estimated $40 billion loss

Homelessness - many people lost homes increasing homelessness

Question 4

What were the immediate responses to the fire

Answer 4

Thousands of firefighters mobilised, which led to some fires being put out

Public health advised people to not to spend too long outside, as they risk health complications

Community support initiatives - relief organisations and community groups set up temporary shelter which led to human losses being minimised

Question 5

What were the long term responses to the fires

Answer 5

Environmental restoration - afforestation schemes to increases biodiversity

Economic recovery - reconstruction with less flammable materials

Major talks underway on climate adaptation strategies to better prepare and respond to threats