Los Angeles fires

Miscellany
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AI responses.

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https://www.perplexity.ai/search/what-percentage-by-land-mass-o-YycQnCN1QCWRBmbqy17IzQ

What percentage by land mass of habitable Los Angeles did the recent fires affect? Have the fires finally stopped?

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have had a significant impact on the city’s habitable land area. Based on the available data, we can calculate the percentage of habitable Los Angeles affected by the fires:

The total habitable land mass of Los Angeles is 469.1 square miles[1]. The land mass affected by the fires is approximately 75 square miles. Using these figures, we can determine that about 15.99% of the habitable land mass of Los Angeles was affected by the recent fires.

As for whether the fires have finally stopped, the situation has improved but some fires are still active:

Current Fire Status

As of January 24, 2025, three major fires were still burning in Los Angeles County:

  1. Hughes Fire: 10,396 acres, 56% contained
  2. Eaton Fire: 14,021 acres, 95% contained
  3. Palisades Fire: 23,448 acres, 77% contained[4]

While firefighters have made significant progress in containing these fires, they have not completely stopped. The Eaton Fire is nearly fully contained, but the Hughes and Palisades fires still require further efforts to achieve full containment.

Recent Developments

  • The Sepulveda Fire, which started near the UCLA campus on January 22, reached 60% containment as of January 23[24].
  • Firefighters are making progress, but are also preparing for potential weather changes that could affect fire behavior.
  • Evacuation orders remain in place for some areas, indicating that the threat has not entirely passed.

In conclusion, while the situation has improved and some fires are nearing full containment, the fires have not completely stopped as of the latest available information. Firefighters continue their efforts to fully contain the remaining active fires.

Sources
[1] Los Angeles, California - Data Science Lab Los Angeles, California
[2] January 2025 Southern California wildfires - Wikipedia January 2025 Southern California wildfires - Wikipedia
[3] Greater Los Angeles Wildfires - January 2025 | U.S. Geological Survey https://www.usgs.gov/media/before-after/greater-los-angeles-wildfires-january-2025
[4] Map: See containment updates for 3 largest fires still burning in Los Angeles County Map: Updates on largest fires still burning in Los Angeles County – NBC Los Angeles
[5] Here is a timeline of the Eaton and Palisades fires in LA County Here is a timeline of the Eaton and Palisades Fires in LA County – NBC Los Angeles
[6] Greater Los Angeles - Wikipedia Greater Los Angeles - Wikipedia
[7] L.A. fire maps show Palisades, Eaton, Hughes and more fires in … L.A. fire maps show Palisades, Eaton, Hughes and more fires in California right now - CBS News
[8] California fires live updates: Rain heading to LA this weekend California fires live updates: Rain heading to LA this weekend - ABC News
[9] 31,000 people must evacuate as rain could unleash more deadly hazards in fire-ravaged Southern California https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/23/us/hughes-fire-los-angeles-county-thursday/index.html
[10] How Big is Los Angeles: Exploring the Vastness of the City of Angels https://securespace.com/blog/how-big-is-los-angeles/
[11] Los Angeles County, California - Census Bureau Profile Explore Census Data
[12] Los Angeles - Wikipedia Los Angeles - Wikipedia
[13] Maps and Geography - COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Maps and Geography – COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
[14] Los Angeles | History, Map, Population, Climate, & Facts | Britannica Los Angeles | History, Map, Population, Climate, & Facts | Britannica
[15] Los Angeles city, California - U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/losangelescitycalifornia/PST045224
[16] [PDF] 4.10 RECREATION AND PARKS - Los Angeles City Planning https://planning.lacity.gov/eir/MangroveEstates/FEIR/EIR%20Sections/4.10%20%20Recreation.pdf
[17] Line Fire among three in Southern California that have scorched more than 100,000 acres Line Fire among three in Southern California that have scorched more than 100,000 acres - CBS Los Angeles
[18] Southern California wildfires scorch thousands of acres, force evacuations Skies above Southern California wildfire looked like 'a nuclear warhead had been set off'
[19] California fires: LA’s first rainfall of the year could help or hurt wildfire … https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/24/us/los-angeles-fire-rain-mudslides-landslides/index.html
[20] Los Angeles wildfires slow, still threaten suburbs Los Angeles wildfires slow, still threaten suburbs
[21] Here is a timeline of the Eaton and Palisades Fires in LA County Here is a timeline of the Eaton and Palisades Fires in LA County – NBC Los Angeles
[22] LA wildfires day 9: What’s the latest, who are victims and what’s next? LA wildfires day 9: What’s the latest, who are victims and what’s next? | Climate Crisis News | Al Jazeera
[23] 4 Graphics Explain Los Angeles’ Rare and Devastating January Fires 4 Graphics Explain LA's Rare January Fires | World Resources Institute
[24] Sepulveda fire east of Interstate 405 reaches 60% containment https://dailybruin.com/2025/01/23/sepulveda-fire-east-of-interstate-405-reaches-60-containment
[25] LA wildfires death toll rises to 16; new evacuation orders as fire spreads LA wildfires death toll rises to 16; new evacuation orders as fire spreads | Climate Crisis News | Al Jazeera
[26] LA fires live updates: ‘Extreme fire growth’ warnings in place as firefighters battle newest blazes California officials warn of flood risks as first rain forecasted after Trump adds new conditions to wildfire aid: Live updates | The Independent
[27] California firefighters make progress on Hughes Fire in Castaic; maps show areas under evacuation California firefighters make progress on Hughes Fire in Castaic; maps show areas under evacuation
[28] LA fires: What’s happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires? LA fires: What's happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires?

3

What are the main causes of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles?

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been caused by a combination of factors, creating what experts describe as “a perfect storm” of conditions. The main causes can be attributed to:

Climate and Weather Conditions

  1. Extreme Drought: Los Angeles County was exceptionally dry when the fires started on January 7, 2025, having received only 0.16 inches (4.1mm) of rain since May 2024[1][2].

  2. Santa Ana Winds: These strong, dry winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, have fueled the fires and accelerated their spread[2][5]. This is the first time “extremely critical” fire weather conditions have been met in January in the United States[1].

  3. High Temperatures: Los Angeles experienced its hottest summer in at least 130 years prior to the fires[1].

Vegetation Factors

  1. Dry Vegetation: The prolonged drought conditions rendered the landscape extremely dry and susceptible to ignition[3][4].

  2. Abundant Fuel: Paradoxically, heavy rainfall in 2022 and 2023 led to significant vegetation growth, which subsequently dried out, providing ample fuel for the fires[6].

Human Activity

While the specific causes of ignition are still under investigation, human activity is likely a significant factor:

  1. Potential Ignition Sources: These may include sparking power lines, errant fireworks, or other human-related incidents[3].

  2. Historical Context: Approximately 95% of wildfires in the area are typically ignited by human activity[4].

Climate Change Impact

Climate change has exacerbated these conditions by:

  1. Altering Weather Patterns: Causing longer dry periods and more intense wet seasons, which contribute to the cycle of vegetation growth and drying[5][6].

  2. Extending Fire Seasons: The concept of a specific “fire season” no longer applies, as fires can now occur in any month of the year[1].

While the immediate triggers of the fires may vary, the underlying climate and environmental conditions have created an extremely fire-prone situation in Los Angeles, leading to the rapid spread and intensity of these wildfires.

Sources
[1] 3 Facts About California’s Climate That Explain the LA Fires 3 Facts About California's Climate That Explain the LA Fires
[2] California fires: Facts, FAQs, and how to help https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/california-fires-facts-faqs-how-to-help
[3] How and Why the LA Wildfires Grew So Fast—and Lessons for the Future | BU Today https://www.bu.edu/articles/2025/how-and-why-the-la-wildfires-grew-so-fast/
[4] LA fires: What’s happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires? LA fires: What's happening in Los Angeles, and what caused the wildfires?
[5] Q&A: Causes, spread and solutions for California’s wildfire crisis Q&A: Causes, spread and solutions for California’s wildfire crisis | Penn State University
[6] The climate science behind the California wildfires The climate science behind the California wildfires – Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre
[7] LA wildfires caused atmospheric lead levels to soar LA wildfires caused atmospheric lead levels to soar - News - The Chemical Engineer
[8] Los Angeles wildfires updates: Five killed as firestorms rage in California Los Angeles wildfires updates: Five killed as firestorms rage in California | Climate Crisis News | Al Jazeera
[9] LA fires updates: Trump tours wildfire-damaged Pacific Palisades, vows to support California ‘100%’ Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands
[10] New US ‘Hughes’ wildfire rips through mountains north of Los Angeles New US ‘Hughes’ wildfire rips through mountains north of Los Angeles | Environment News | Al Jazeera

4

What percentage of properties destroyed appear to be fully insured?

For those that are, what percentage financial of financial losses are unlikely to be recovered from insurance?

Is there a regulatory compulsion to insure?

Based on the available information, it’s challenging to provide precise percentages for fully insured properties and unrecoverable financial losses. However, we can draw some insights from the search results:

Insurance Coverage

  • The California FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, covered approximately 22% of the structures affected by the Palisades Fire and 12% of those affected by the Eaton Fire[7].
  • In Pacific Palisades, about 1 in 7 homeowners (roughly 14%) were reliant on the FAIR Plan prior to the disaster[16].
  • Many major insurers had reduced their exposure or exited the California homeowners insurance market over the past two years[23].

These figures suggest that a significant portion of properties may not have been fully insured through traditional means. However, the exact percentage of fully insured properties is not explicitly stated.

Unrecoverable Financial Losses

  • Some estimates suggest that insured losses could range from $20 billion to $30 billion[9].
  • Total economic losses are projected to be much higher, with AccuWeather estimating damages and economic losses of up to $250 billion[22].

This indicates that a substantial portion of financial losses may not be recoverable through insurance. However, without more precise data, it’s not possible to provide an exact percentage.

Regulatory Compulsion to Insure

There is no blanket regulatory compulsion for homeowners to have insurance in California. However, recent regulatory actions aim to increase insurance availability:

  1. A new state regulation announced last week will require insurance companies to offer policies to homeowners in wildfire risk areas[6].

  2. Insurers will be required to have at least 85% of their statewide portfolio in risk areas, with the requirement being implemented with 5% increases every two years[18].

  3. The California Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 2025-01, which precludes insurers from cancelling or refusing to renew residential property insurance policies for properties in designated zip codes within or near the fire perimeter for one year after January 7, 2025[2].

These measures aim to improve insurance availability but do not constitute a direct mandate for homeowners to purchase insurance. They instead focus on compelling insurers to offer coverage in high-risk areas.

In conclusion, while exact percentages are not available, the data suggests that a significant number of properties may not have been fully insured, and a substantial portion of financial losses may not be recoverable through insurance. Recent regulatory actions aim to increase insurance availability but do not directly compel homeowners to purchase insurance.

Sources
[1] LA fires: Average insured claim estimated at … - Reinsurance News LA fires: Average insured claim estimated at $1.9m with 17,027 structures destroyed or damaged - Reinsurance News
[2] Los Angeles wildfires’ far-reaching impact on the insurance industry Los Angeles wildfires’ far-reaching impact on the insurance industry
[3] Key California insurance laws passed after previous major wildfires … https://www.policyholderperspective.com/2025/01/articles/insurance-coverage/key-california-insurance-laws-passed-after-previous-major-wildfires-now-play-crucial-role-in-ongoing-l-a-wildfire-crisis/
[4] LA fires: 1000s had insurance cancelled in the months … - Euronews LA fires: 1000s had insurance cancelled in the months before the disaster - what's the climate link? | Euronews
[5] The LA fires have prompted a reckoning for the insurance industry The LA fires have prompted a reckoning for the insurance industry – Australian premiums could soar as a result
[6] Insurance companies in California must offer coverage in wildfire … Insurance companies in California must offer coverage in wildfire-prone areas under new regulation - CBS San Francisco
[7] California FAIR Plan - Wikipedia California FAIR Plan - Wikipedia
[8] In a California “first,” Commissioner Lara announces enforcement of … In a California “first,” Commissioner Lara announces enforcement of regulation to expand insurance coverage across state
[9] Moody’s RMS Event Response estimates insured losses to date for … Moody’s RMS Event Response estimates insured losses to date for the January 2025 Los Angeles Firestorm will likely range between US$20 billion and US$30 billion
[10] LA Wildfires by The Numbers: Insured Losses, Total Losses, Ratings … LA Wildfires by The Numbers: Insured Losses, Total Losses, Ratings, Rates
[11] California issues landmark rules to improve home insurance market California issues landmark rules to improve home insurance market
[12] Understanding the California FAIR Plan in 2025 Understanding the California FAIR Plan in 2025
[13] State Farm, Allstate and Insurance Lobbyists Ask Lara to Override … State Farm, Allstate and Insurance Lobbyists Ask Lara to Override Judge’s Decision - Consumer Watchdog
[14] LA wildfires: Is insurance the next battlefront for California residents? LA wildfires: Is insurance the next battlefront for California residents? | Business and Economy News | Al Jazeera
[15] [PDF] 2024 Annual Notice – Significant California Laws Effective as of the … https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0120-notices/upload/Annual_Notice-Significant_California_Laws_Pertaining_to_Residential_Property_Insurance_Policies-Declared_State_of_Emergency.pdf
[16] Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners were dropped by their … Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners were dropped by their insurers before the Palisades Fire - CBS News
[17] [PDF] Insurance Coverage Pointers for Home and Business Losses https://www.lw.com/admin/upload/SiteAttachments/Los-Angeles-Wildfires-Insurance-Coverage-Pointers-for-Home-and-Business-Losses.pdf
[18] LA fires: 1000s had insurance cancelled in the months … - Euronews LA fires: 1000s had insurance cancelled in the months before the disaster - what's the climate link? | Euronews
[19] They lost their home insurance policies. Then came the L.A. fires First, they lost their home insurance. Then, L.A. fires consumed their homes
[20] Reinsurance retreat deepens California wildfire insurance crisis Reinsurance retreat deepens California wildfire insurance crisis | Insurance Business America
[21] Billions in insurance losses expected from LA wildfires, Moody’s … Billions in insurance losses expected from LA wildfires, Moody's reports - Reinsurance News
[22] LA fires cast light on climate change insurance crisis - DW LA fires cast light on climate change insurance crisis – DW – 01/24/2025
[23] Insurers Can Absorb Losses Amid Escalating Los Angeles Wildfires https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/research/articles/250109-insurers-can-absorb-losses-amid-escalating-los-angeles-wildfires-13381002
[24] US insurers slump as Los Angeles wildfire loss estimates hit $20 … https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-property-casualty-insurers-slide-los-angeles-wildfire-losses-mount-2025-01-10/
[25] LA wildfires: Over 10k structures destroyed. Insured losses up to LA wildfires: Over 10k structures destroyed. Insured losses up to ~$20bn, economic $150bn - Artemis.bm
[26] [PDF] Best Practices for Regulating Property Insurance Premiums and … https://www.namic.org/wp-content/uploads/legacy/151112_BestPracticesCombined.pdf
[27] [PDF] FAIR Plan Stipulation and Order and Plan of Operation August 28 … https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0250-insurers/0500-legal-info/0700-commissioners-orders/upload/FAIR-Plan-Stipulation-and-Order-and-Plan-of-Operation.pdf