The wildfires that ran rapidly through Los Angeles for the last month have been 100% contained as of Friday, January 31. The various fires burned for 25 days, causing more than $250 billion in damage and leaving 124,000 individuals registered for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Dry conditions with strong winds furthered the growth of these fires over the past month.
The Palisades fire charred almost 24,000 acres and killed 12 people across the Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Eaton fire tore through 14,201 acres throughout Altadena and Pasadena, killing 17 people. The other smaller fires, including the Lidia, Archer, Woodley, Sunset, Kenneth, Hurst, Auto, and Hughes fires have been 100% contained. The causes of the fires are still under investigation.
Although the fires have been contained, there is still great reconstructive work, which will span months. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a 30-day timeline to remove hazardous waste by establishing temporary debris processing sites throughout the fire sites.
The Pacific Palisades are reopening to the public, with the California National Guard withdrawing from all checkpoints. Many believe this is too soon and are concerned about the toxic waste and debris that could be harmful to residents.
As reconstructive efforts begin, citizens of these areas will ‘begin again,’ with many having their lives completely destroyed.
If you wish to donate to the various organizations within the reconstructive efforts, CBS News has compiled a list of organizations accepting donations and volunteers.
