 "A view shows the remains of homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, US, January 11, 2025. File Image/Reuters")
Los Angeles has been engulfed by catastrophic wildfires, leaving at least 24 people dead, thousands of homes destroyed, and tens of thousands of acres burned.
As investigators work to determine the origins of the fires, attention has turned to a New Year’s Eve blaze that may have reignited days later, fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions.
Are New Year eve fireworks to blame for the wildfires?
The devastating Palisades fire, which has ravaged over 23,000 acres, may have been rekindled from a smaller fire that occurred on New Year’s Eve. This earlier fire broke out in a brushy area near Temescal Ridge in the Santa Monica Mountains, close to where the Palisades fire later erupted.
According to satellite imagery analysed by The Washington Post, the burn scar from the New Year’s Eve fire matches the origin of the Palisades fire. The earlier blaze was extinguished by firefighters in the early hours of New Year’s Day, with mop-up operations completed by 5 am (local time).
However, experts warn that residual heat from smoldering roots or vegetation can reignite under the right conditions. “We know that fires rekindle and transition from smoldering to flaming,” explained Michael Gollner, a fire scientist from UC Berkeley told The Washington Post. “It’s certainly possible that something from that previous fire had reignited and caused the ignition.”
Local residents have also reported hearing fireworks in the area shortly before the New Year’s blaze began. One witness told The Washington Post that the fire was “started by idiots” who ignored the dry conditions and set off fireworks near the Skull Rock Trailhead. Another resident described hearing fireworks and noticing flames around 12:20 am (local time).
How did weather and vegetation affect the fire spread?
Southern California had been under high wildfire risk in the days leading up to the fires due to a combination of dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds.
The National Weather Service warned that vegetation in the region was at near-critical moisture levels, making it highly susceptible to fire. The Telegraph quoted meteorologist Ariel Cohen who described the conditions as “a recipe for fire,” noting the potential for explosive growth as winds picked up.
“There will be the potential — especially late Monday night through Wednesday — for explosive fire growth as those winds pick back up,” Cohen added.
The Santa Ana winds likely played a significant role in reigniting and spreading the Palisades fire. These gusts, combined with the region’s prolonged dry spell, created an environment where even a small ember could ignite a massive blaze. The winds intensified the flames, making containment efforts more challenging for firefighters.
What is the destruction and human toll so far?
As of Monday morning, the fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with 16 people still reported missing. Thousands of homes have been reduced to rubble, and around 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the fires as potentially the worst natural disaster in US history in terms of economic damage. Losses are estimated to range between $250 billion and $275 billion, according to AccuWeather.
Meanwhile, Wells Fargo estimates the damages and economic losses could total between $60 billion and $130 billion.
In addition to the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire has burned 14,000 acres with 27 per cent containment, and the Hurst fire to the north has scorched 800 acres and is 89 per cent contained. Combined, these fires have stretched firefighting resources to the limit.
How has the emergency response been?
More than 14,000 firefighters from California and nine other states, as well as Mexico and Canada, have been deployed to combat the blazes. The response includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and 70 additional water trucks. Fire retardant dropped by aircraft is being used to create barriers along hillsides, slowing the spread of the flames.
Volunteers have also rallied to support the firefighting and relief efforts. At Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, an improvised donation center has been set up to aid firefighters and evacuees.
In Pacific Palisades, Elon Musk has stationed several Cybertrucks equipped with terminals for SpaceX’s satellite internet service to maintain connectivity in affected areas.
Where has the official investigation reached?
The cause of the fires remains under investigation, with no official conclusions yet. Federal agents, including those from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have been canvassing neighbourhoods near the suspected origin of the Palisades fire. Investigators are considering several potential ignition sources, including human activity and environmental factors.
Although lightning is the most common cause of wildfires in the US, it has been ruled out in this case. Utility companies, including Southern California Edison, have also stated that their equipment showed no anomalies at the time of ignition. The company did report a downed power line near the Hurst fire but denied responsibility for the Palisades fire.
“This was once a small fire,” said John Lentini, a fire investigation expert. “People will focus on where the fire started, determine the origin, and look around the origin to determine the cause.”
Officials have stated that identifying the exact cause could take weeks or even months. Meanwhile, the FBI and ATF have been knocking on doors, speaking with residents who stayed behind during the fires, and collecting evidence from the burn site.
The fires have also brought a surge in looting in evacuated areas, prompting law enforcement to step up patrols. Captain Michael Lorenz of the LAPD said officers are detaining around 10 people a day, including individuals posing as firefighters to gain access to homes.
With inputs from agencies