Wildfires are relentlessly sweeping through Southern California. In Los Angeles County, one desolate scene follows another. Expatriates recount their harrowing experiences, still reeling from the shock.
Los Angeles besieged by wildfires
Since January 7th, Los Angeles County has been grappling with unprecedented wildfires, putting all of California on high alert. A new blaze, dubbed the "Auto Fire," erupted on January 13th in Ventura County near El Rio, quickly consuming 23 hectares. This latest fire compounds the crisis alongside the two major ongoing fires in Los Angeles County: the Eaton Fire near Altadena and the more extensive Palisades Fire, stretching east of Malibu to the Pacific Palisades.
By January 15th, a lull in the winds gave firefighters a much-needed advantage. Despite these efforts, the fires have claimed 25 lives and forced 100,000 evacuations, with over 88,000 Los Angeles County residents ordered to leave their homes. The destruction of homes and buildings numbers in the tens of thousands.
In response to the crisis, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass enacted an emergency decree on January 13th to accelerate reconstruction efforts and to monitor the ongoing investigation into the fire's origins. Was it a criminal act, malice, or negligence? Sources suggest the Palisades Fire might have been sparked by New Year's fireworks and exacerbated by strong winds—a theory experts find plausible, though unconfirmed by authorities. Electrical infrastructure is also under investigation. Factors like global warming, fierce winds, and severe drought are intensifying the fires' spread.
An unprecedented catastrophe: Expats share their stories
Expatriates in shock have shared their accounts, depicting apocalyptic scenes from the wildfires that are unprecedented in their intensity and destruction. They reveal that both psychological recovery and material reconstruction will be extensive and challenging processes.
"Exhausted, demoralized, but safe"
An expatriate living in Los Angeles shares their recent ordeal: "Multiple fires erupted after Tuesday's (January 14th) violent wind storm. I spent over 8 hours without electricity. Currently, I am safe—exhausted and demoralized, but safe." This comment encapsulates the harrowing hours spent between anxiety and astonishment. Online, expatriates are opening up and offering mutual support and advice. Some have faced the flames directly, like one resident who evacuated just in time with her child: "The Eaton Fire ignited right above my apartment. I saw flames on the hill at 6:30 am. By 7 am, I was fleeing with my child and my cats. By a miracle, our apartment was spared, but I don't know when we'll be able to return. The water isn't safe to drink, and the air is hazardous to breathe."
"A grim start to the new year"
Just days ago, Los Angeles, along with the rest of the world, rang in the new year. Now, as investigations probe the origins of the fires and efforts to quell the flames continue, foreign residents fear the catastrophe may overshadow the entire year of 2025. One resident described the eerie silence: "It's been a ghost town since Monday. It's a terrible way to start the new year." Despite the grim beginning, some hold on to optimism despite facing tough challenges. "We evacuated Wednesday night because of the Sunset Fire and had to leave the city. We're waiting to see if we can return home. The year has started off badly, but that seems trivial when people are losing their homes and lives." Long-term residents are confronting what many call an unprecedented disaster. "I've lived here nearly 20 years, and this is by far the worst event in that time. Several of my friends in Altadena have lost their homes; the neighborhood is just covered in ashes."
"What happened to empathy?" - A call from expats
Expatriates in Los Angeles are questioning the lack of empathy in the wake of disparaging comments amidst their plight. While they acknowledge and are grateful for the global support network that has mobilized, they are also dismayed by the spread of misinformation. One expatriate voiced their frustration: "We are enduring a massive natural disaster that has impacted tens of thousands—homes in ruins, no electricity, trees crushing cars, and water issues. Isn't this the very definition of a collective tragedy? Yet, online, the compassionate remarks are drowned out by misinformation from high-profile figures like Musk and pervasive hateful comments. It's a misconception that all expatriates are privileged or that our lives mirror those of L.A.'s millionaires. There are indeed impoverished people in L.A., expatriates or otherwise. We're calling for a bit more compassion."
"Community support will be essential amid catastrophe"
In the face of a devastating catastrophe, the importance of community support is coming to the forefront. Despite the challenges, messages of solidarity and mobilization are prevailing. "Community support will be crucial for everyone affected," echoes a sentiment widely shared among expatriates. Those who have managed to evacuate carry mixed feelings. One person shared, "Finally safe! We've been in a hotel for four days. But I feel so guilty thinking about those who haven't had this chance." This sense of guilt is also felt by those whose homes were spared the flames. "Luckily, our house is still standing, but some of my friends and several classmates' families weren't so fortunate. It's quite heartbreaking." Nevertheless, these intact homes are becoming sanctuaries for many victims as doors open to welcome family, colleagues, and friends. "My family had to evacuate Pasadena on Tuesday. We're staying at a friend's house now. We are safe, and that's what matters most right now."
How to rebuild: Initiatives and challenges
In response to the catastrophic wildfires in California, other states and nations are rallying to support the United States, particularly focusing on their nationals residing in the affected areas. Embassies and consulates are mobilizing emergency responses. Some foreign politicians are advocating for the creation of a dedicated fund to support expatriates in distress, reminiscent of a similar initiative during a previous health crisis. Although this special aid has since ceased, there is a push among some deputies and senators to not only reactivate it but to make it a permanent fixture.
However, the establishment of such a fund is not guaranteed shortly. Outgoing President Joe Biden has pledged emergency aid of $770 per victim. To date, nearly 6,000 people have accepted this aid, with another 33,000 registered to receive it. The amount has sparked debate, with some critics arguing it is insufficient. The Biden administration emphasizes that this is just preliminary assistance to address the immediate needs of affected families, with assurances that more comprehensive aid is forthcoming.
Meanwhile, both national and international efforts are organizing to provide further support. Donations are being made in cash and in kind, and efforts are underway to help clear the debris from victims' homes. These actions set the stage for a prolonged period of reconstruction.
Useful links:
: emergency interventions, prevention, and protection against fires.
: follow the evolution of fires live.
: information concerning wildfires.
: information for Australian victims.
: information about fires in Los Angeles.
