Wildfires burning across Southern California have already caused an estimated $52 billion to $57 billion in damages and economic losses, according to AccuWeather's preliminary assessment. The fire forced mass evacuations, disrupted daily life, and is said to be one of the worst fires in the state's history.
“This is already one of the worst wildfires in California's history. If more structures burn in the coming days, it will be the worst wildfire in California's modern history, considering the number of structures burned and the economic loss.” wildfires,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
The worst fires are concentrated in an area stretching from Santa Monica to Malibu, home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country, with a median home price of more than $2 million. AccuWeather noted that significant risks remain for residents, their property and local businesses. In addition to immediate destruction, long-term impacts on tourism and public health are expected due to smoke pollution and exposure to hazardous air quality.
As of Wednesday night, flames had advanced into the hills above Hollywood Boulevard, but firefighters were still battling three large blazes: the Pacific Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains; The Hearst Fire north of the San Gabriel Mountains is struggling to be contained. San Fernando Valley. High winds and dry conditions have worsened the situation, with wind gusts reaching 160 mph in some areas, making firefighting dangerous and difficult to contain.
At least five people have died and more than 130,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate. Already more than 2,000 structures have been destroyed. AccuWeather emphasized that these estimates are preliminary and could increase significantly if the fires continue to spread rapidly into populated areas.
perfect storm of factors
AccuWeather meteorologists explained that the fires are caused by a unique combination of weather and environmental conditions. Strong offshore winds from high pressure over Nevada and low pressure over Southern California are adding to the fire danger. Compounding the problem, Southern California experienced an exceptionally dry winter, with the last time heavy rain was recorded in April 2024. This long dry spell has turned the area's rich vegetation, which flourished during the two rainy seasons, into a spark, providing ample fuel for fasting operations. -Moving fire.
“This is a fast-moving wind inferno that is life-threatening and causing devastating damage,” Porter said. “We are just beginning to get a clear picture of the extent of the destruction and loss.”
To put the scale of the disaster into context, AccuWeather pointed out that the 2023 Maui wildfires caused between $13 billion and $16 billion in damages. Wildfires in the western United States in 2020 caused losses of $130 billion to $150 billion, and wildfires in 2021 caused losses of $70 billion to $90 billion. The current wildfires come on the heels of a record-breaking 2024 hurricane season in which Hurricanes Milton and Helen caused a combined $385 billion in losses.
Evacuation and emergency response
The rapid spread of the fire prompted mass evacuations across Los Angeles, and traffic jams reached breaking point by Tuesday night. In some cases, residents abandoned their cars on congested roads, forcing emergency workers to use heavy equipment to clear roads for firefighting efforts.
AccuWeather also warned that millions of people in the region could be exposed to hazardous air quality from smoke from the fires. Residents are encouraged to wear N95 masks and limit outdoor activities to reduce exposure.
“These fires could expose millions of people across Los Angeles to unhealthy and dangerous air quality,” Porter warned. “In areas with poor air quality, people should use N95 masks and limit their time outdoors.”
A long and difficult recovery awaits
AccuWeather's damage estimates incorporate a wide range of factors, including direct property loss, job and wage disruption, infrastructure damage, supply chain disruption, and impacts to tourism and transportation. The estimates also take into account long-term health effects and government spending related to evacuation, emergency management, and cleanup efforts.
Experts have warned that even after the fires are extinguished, the region will face a long and difficult recovery process. The physical destruction, coupled with the lingering health and environmental impacts, highlights the scale of the disaster. California will likely need extensive federal and state assistance to support recovery efforts.
