Winds are expected to calm down on Friday in Los Angeles, giving firefighters a better chance to fight five big wildfires that are causing serious trouble in the area. So far, these fires have burned more than 35,000 acres (14,160 hectares).
The largest fire is affecting the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood, burning nearly 20,000 acres. Firefighters reported that they have managed to control about six percent of this fire’s edge, which means it can’t spread in that direction for now.
However, another fire in Altadena is out of control, destroying almost 14,000 acres and threatening important places like communication towers on Mount Wilson. A third fire near Calabasas, where celebrities like Kim Kardashian live, added to the worrying situation. Thankfully, after a big effort from firefighters with planes dropping water and fire-retardant, this fire is now 35 percent contained.
Experts believe these wildfires could end up costing between $135 billion and $150 billion, making them some of the most expensive in history. Many people are feeling the impact: schools are closed, hundreds of thousands are without electricity, and big events, such as an NFL playoff game, have been moved elsewhere.
While the winds have calmed, meteorologists say that very dry and windy conditions could return. The National Weather Service warns that more fires could still break out. Though wildfires happen naturally, scientists say that human-caused climate change is affecting weather patterns, making wildfires worse. After two very wet years in Southern California, the current dry conditions have created perfect fuel for these raging fires.
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