"Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says.

The wildfires that destroyed homes in multiple sections of the Los Angeles area will test California’s efforts to stabilize the state’s insurance marketplace after many insurers stopped issuing residential policies due to the high fire risk.

At least 16 people have died across the Los Angeles area in the wildfires. Officials have said the true death toll is not known as the fires continue to burn.

See maps of where mandatory evacuation orders as well as warnings are in place for wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area.

Wildfire starts to spread in Mandeville Canyon as fire crew attempt to contain the flame on Jan. 11, 2025. ↓ Read More