As of today, the wildfires in Los Angeles have burned 57,403 acres and destroyed 16,252 structures. More than 88,000 people are under evacuation orders and 27 dead.
Losing a home is a tragedy for anyone, because in addition to the emotional attachment, it is a heavy financial burden. The majority of the people affected in these fires are the middle to working class citizens who cannot afford to buy another house and all other belongings. However, media attention is elsewhere, not on those whose lives have been uprooted.
The media is drawing attention away from the immediate needs of the people by overreporting on videos and images of the burnt remains of celebrity homes. While celebrities should receive empathy, as they lost their homes too, focusing on the catastrophic events in a way that only highlights celebrities makes tragedy feel like a spectator sport. However, it is unfair to pay excessive attention to popular public figures because the majority of the people affected in the fires are middle to working class citizens. Instead of focusing on celebrities, who have the means to rebuild their lives and leaning into misinformation, focusing on the stories of the ordinary people ensures that they get the attention, resources, and aid they need.
Misinformation surrounding the wildfires were rampant enough that California governor Gavin Newsom had to create a website called CaliforniaFireFacts.com in order to debunk false information ranging from a fake image of the Hollywood sign burning, to California running out of water. The water supplies were exhausted due to the unprecedented scale of the fires, not because reservoirs were empty.
When misinformation becomes widespread, people may begin to rely on inaccurate and harmful news sources overshadowing credible news sources. Credible sources to get information on the L.A. wildfires include CA.gov, and Cal Fire, to get real time information and official fire updates.
Take action and help victims of the wildfires. Money is the most effective way to help people, as they can use the cash to fulfill immediate needs. Donate money directly to organizations helping with the fires such as the California Fire Foundation, and World Central Kitchen. GoFundMe.com has set up a hub where one can donate to individual families, or donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund 2025, which will provide direct relief to survivors who have lost everything. Many parents are struggling to find childcare for their kids because their schools have burnt down. In addition to other organizations, in California, Project Camp provides free childcare to families displaced by the fires, providing a sense of normalcy to kids who have lost their homes and schools. Other ways to help include writing to climate change caucuses, and volunteering at services providing aid to wildfire victims.
Updated 1/29 to add PodBean recording
