![All are welcomed to admire the Dowling Catholic Ofrenda that will be on display in the Narthex for just over a month, starting October 24th. [Artwork by Carter Coppola]](https://dowlingcatholicpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ofrenda-927x1200.jpg)
With more than 50,000 acres burned, 100,000 residents evacuated, and smoke spreading for thousands of miles, Los Angeles, a city known for its beautiful landscape, is facing profound damages. These recent fires have become a defining crisis for the state and a warning to the rest of the world about the escalating impacts of climate change.
In the past week, LA has been devastated by a series of wildfires that have displaced people and destroyed buildings. The most destructive, the Palisade Fire, has consumed 40,000 acres of land between Malibu and Santa Monica and as of this week, destroyed 3,856 structures and caused eight fatalities (calfire).
Simultaneously, the Eaton fires are at full force northeast of the city of Pasadena and Altadena. Eaton has destroyed roughly 40,500 acres of land and caused 17 fatalities (calfire).
These fires have been exacerbated by Santa Ana winds which blow at rates up to 40 mph, intensifying flames and complicating containment efforts (The New Indian Express). Over 8,500 firefighters are battling the fires the harsh winds and dry land. Currently, the Palisade fire is 14% contained while Eaton is 91% (calfire).
In response, resources have been mobilized, including firefighting aircrafts, equipment from other states, and response from government officials. California’s Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency and called for greater response funding; Biden pledged federal support, including holistic efforts and $770 to each person impacted by the fires (newsnation).
LA resident, Katy Lester, after returning home from an evacuation period says:
“Living in LA during the fires has been like living in a waking nightmare. The people of Los Angeles are experiencing collective heartbreak together, but the depth of community and care for each other has been unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Angelinos are, in their heart of hearts, blue-collar people who understand the value of working hard and loving each other just as hard. Los Angeles forever.”
These recent events have highlighted the severity of California’s wildfires and scrutinized climate change and extreme weather patterns. The state’s resilience is being tested, and the path to recovery will require efforts from all government and community levels.
In light of all that has happened, the people of LA have bonded like never before. Many have stepped up to provide food, water, necessities, and even shelter to strangers. The community is coming together to appreciate and support one another, as well as their city. There has been an overwhelming motion of pride displayed by residents for their home as well as advancements to give back to the place that has given so much to them.
