The Wildfire of L.A.

“50,000 acres, an area roughly equivalent to 2,200 Alcatraz Islands or 500 Disneylands, or larger than Washington, D.C” (Kimelman). This was the statement made by CalMatters, a non-profit news organization, regarding the amount of land lost due to the fires located in Los Angeles. More than their obvious destructive effects, the fires have shed light on much regarding the nature of Los Angeles: the dual-reality among different economic classes of the city, but also the uniform identity of Los Angeles which its inhabitants hold.

To begin, the fires in Los Angeles have shown a stark contrast between the situations of affected citizens of differing wages. Due to Los Angeles’ increased rent prices, insurance costs, and overall inability to provide affordable housing for all economic classes because of these fires, effectively tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County were displaced with no place left to go (Kendall). This level of displacement and homelessness effectively exemplifies the greed of Los Angeles which directly victimized the lives of those who were in positions of economic disadvantage. Because of these fires, those without high income and expendable earnings were left with no legitimate help nor any possessions. When looking at the situation of the rich, however, a blunt distinction can be made. According to CBS News, the wealthy, such as real estate investor Keith Wassermon, was seen making requests for private firefighters to control fires destroying his area (Cerullo). Compared to a complete loss of housing and no guaranteed support for the less privileged, the wealthy have had access to resources which directly come to their service. Due to the fires, such highly different treatment and circumstances of different economic classes have been exposed. Rather than the status of citizens being human being enough for equal support and resources, wealth has played a large factor in the support which the people of Los Angeles received.

However, these same fires have shown the united identity which Los Angeles holds. According to hospitalitynet, more than 15,000 people have received some sort of housing due to Airbnb’s $26 million effort in providing shelter for those who were affected (Airbnb.org has housed). Rather than letting unequal access to resources or lack of housing rift apart the city of Los Angeles, continuous efforts have shown the city’s undying desire to persevere, to rebuild. Support came internally from LA’s own inhabitants, as well. Those within or in the proximity of Los Angeles have contributed to medical, food, and clothing drives for those affected by the fires (Evains). Rebuilding contributions have directly displayed the refusal of Los Angeles to turn into burnt remains. Through collaborative efforts, through their shared identity, the city continues to heal and rebuild. Setting aside any differences, Los Angeles’ identity has been shown as one.