Across California, two extremely fierce wildfires have been racing across the coast for almost a month. As these two fires grow and spread to other areas of the state, more houses, businesses, recreational areas, and lives continue to be lost.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have been two of California’s most destructive fires in 2024 and the beginning of 2025. The Palisades fire started on January 7 and has already burned over 23,000 acres, according to Cal Fire. Just northwest of the Palisades, the Eaton fire has been swarming the surrounding areas of Altadena and burned over 14,000 acres.
When speaking with local firefighters about how wildfires in other states affect North Carolina’s policies and regulations, Jason Livingston, Assistant Chief at Mills River Fire Department said, “A lot of states believe in the practice of prescribed burning which has a scientific advantage in wildland areas because it reduces the fuel loads in those areas.” While Livingston believes that wildfires are harmful to urban areas, he also highlights how wildfires can provide an opportunity for wildland areas to regrow and replenish when he said, “The Party Rock fire ravaged through the Chimney Rock/Lake Lure area in November and December of 2016, but when everything started flushing out and greening up in the spring, it was beautiful and provided advantages for the wildlife.”
Freshman Allie Smith’s father is the National Fire Director for the National Association of State Foresters. Mr. Smith is a Type One Fire Commander, meaning his job requires lots of traveling and time away from home during most fire seasons. When asked about her father’s experiences in this year’s biggest field, Smith said “He is not currently boots on the ground in California. He is stationed at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. However, he has talked to many Cal Fire employees who have said the pictures can not do justice to the devastation that has occurred.”
According to NBC Los Angeles, the 23,400-acre Palisades fire on the LA County coast is currently at 96 percent containment, and the 14,000-acre Eaton fire in the Altadena area is at 99 percent containment. While crews are working to better contain these fires day by day, society can not look past the destruction that these fires caused and the rebuilding that will have to take place in the future.
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Fighting Fire
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