Blazing fires illuminate lands of California with a tangerine colored light. An ominous energy fills the state as the air grows heavy with smoke that rains from the sky and ashes that scatter throughout the atmosphere. Homes that have been lived in for generations burn to the ground. Families with young children are at a lack of a school. Safety in California is unattainable and the end is unknown.
Starting on January 7th, 2025, catastrophic wildfires began to rapidly spread across California. Rattling the areas surrounding and within Los Angeles, numerous buildings collapsed and their remains have become tarnished and unrecognizable. Only three days after the first fire, an estimate of 35,000 acres of land had been burnt. California aches for relief and answers as to why their home is being engulfed by fire.
California wildfires are anything but abnormal. Being known for the most wildfires, destruction and havoc comes with the opportunities that the state has to offer. While most news outlets focus on shining a light on the celebrities who have lost their homes, families are put in the dark.
KBTX News had a conversation with a family whose house had been destroyed by the fires. College student at Cal Poly Pomona, Samantha Santoro, discussed her wildfire experience. Santoro mentioned how her home had been burnt down, and now she is stuck staying with a relative, at a loss as to where she’ll go next.
Santoro isn’t the only person struggling with relocation. The fires across the state are putting citizens at risk of becoming homeless. Many residents have earned lifelong savings by spending grueling hours working in order to purchase their houses. After losing their property, Californian citizens must restart their journey—a difficult process alongside the hardships of the rebuilding and economic recovery within the state.
As houses and properties are ruined, and the renewal process begins, family keepsakes and heirlooms that have been present for generations are now gone. The Santoro family and many others have to navigate the loss of both their homes and the things that were inside of it.
Unfortunately, there’s not much anyone can do about the wildfires besides letting it run its course. While wildfires are inevitable in California, they have been accelerated due to climate change. In the meantime, spread information about the fires and how human activity affects the environment on social media. If possible, donate to GoFundMe’s and send the links to others who can help. If you have friends or family in the area, offer them a place to stay. At the end of the day, remember to think beyond the celebrities and influencers and more about the families that may need extra support.
PLACES TO DONATE:
California Fire Foundation –
The CFF collects donations for fallen firefighters. All proceeds go directly to either their families or communities that they served.
https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html
Wildfire Relief Fund (GoFundMe) –
The WRF is collecting donations that will go to California residents that have lost their homes and businesses. Each individual who lost their properties will receive $1,000. Alongside these donations, leftover proceeds are used for food and water supplies given to various shelters.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/wildfire-relief-fund-2025
American Red Cross –
The Red Cross is gathering donations to support families affected by the wildfires. Text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 or visit the Red Cross website in order to make a donation:
