Wildfires continue to affect Los Angeles County, leaving destruction and heartbreak in their wake. Officials report that more than 36,386 acres have burned as of Jan. 10, with several communities under mandatory evacuation orders, according to KSBW Action News 8. As flames consumed thousands of acres, residents were forced to evacuate their homes while firefighters worked to contain the infernos.

The fires, fueled by dry conditions and Santa Ana winds, began late last week and have since grown rapidly. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, local landmarks and even entire neighborhoods, killing 16 people as of Jan. 12, according to CBS 8 News. 

Maleeda Wagner, a resident of Pasadena, reflected on how she made the decision to evacuate with her 12-year-old son. 

“Being from Hawai’i and having the Maui tragedy, and images of incinerated cars-turned coffins in my mind, we packed quickly and left home,” Wagner said. “My thought was leaving because my son was scared, to relieve pressure off of firefighters, and to avoid any congested roads should the fires escalate.” 

Firefighters from across California, nine other U.S. states and Mexico are working to fight the flames and have been an integral part of the ongoing response, according to PBS News. So far, 1,354 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 firefighters, including some from Mexico, are an integral part of the ongoing response, according to PBS News. Hundreds of inmates are also contributing to the battle against the fires and are being paid $10.24 a day, according to The New York Times. However, containment remains challenging because of the rugged terrain and unpredictable winds.

Current freshman at Pepperdine University and former TPHS student, Hope Dennis (‘24), has been directly affected by the fires. 

“I evacuated during the Franklin wildfire because there were so many flames on campus and it did not feel safe to stay in the library,” Dennis said. “It was just so heartbreaking and overwhelming as a campus because so many students were stuck in shelter in place orders and just had to watch our landscape burn up.”

Local schools, including several in the Los Angeles Unified School District, have been closed as a result of the fires and poor air quality. At Westwood High School, classes are canceled for the remainder of the week, and the school gymnasium was converted into a temporary shelter for evacuees. More than 600,000 students are affected as school districts continue assessing the damage and responding appropriately, according to NPR News. 

“The Pepperdine University community is just so tired,” Dennis said. “I really wanted to go back but it’s just not possible right now, there’s no gas or electricity and all major roads are closed. The air quality also gives students no choice.”  

As of Jan. 12, there are 150,000 residents of Los Angeles County who remain under evacuation orders, and more than 700 of them are taking refuge in just nine shelters, according to PBS News. 

“Nothing to this scale of devastation so close to home, affecting our community and daily life, and friends has happened to me before,” Wagner said. “It really has put health, safety and loved ones in perspective.”

Meanwhile, community members are stepping up to help those in need. Local businesses have organized fundraisers, and volunteers are distributing supplies to evacuees. Organizations like the Red Cross are also providing assistance by offering shelters, meals and emotional support.

“I have so much love for my Pepperdine community and how Pepperdine has become an emergency hub for first responders and emergency response resources,” Dennis said. 

As firefighters continue their battle against the flames, Los Angeles County remains on edge, waiting for updates and hoping for relief. For now, the focus is on safety and resilience, as residents come together to weather another wildfire season.

“What I gather from friends that lost homes is that they’re overwhelmed and stunned,” Wagner said. “What I learned is to extend love and support but not to expect a call or text back right away. They’re overwhelmed with texts and responding is another obligation.”