Los Angeles faces a massive wildfire spreading across 40,000 acres, forcing 180,000 people to evacuate and claiming 24 lives.
No significant rainfall (over 0.1 inches) has been recorded in LA since May 5, 2024, creating perfect conditions for fire spread.
The Santa Ana winds, blowing at 40-60 mph from inland deserts toward the coast, are rapidly expanding the fire's reach.
Joe Rogan had eerily predicted this disaster in July 2024 through a conversation with a firefighter on his podcast.
Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed, with 90,000 homes and businesses facing power cuts across Los Angeles.
Recent budget cuts have left the fire department understaffed and under-resourced to handle this crisis effectively.
The National Weather Service has issued a red alert, warning about serious health risks from smoke and particulate matter.
California has partnered with the US Department of Defence to use LiDAR technology for detecting wildfires through satellite 3D mapping.
Los Angeles has been rated as "the most susceptible county in the United States to natural disasters" by FEMA.
Despite challenges, over 10,000 personnel have been deployed across the county, using helicopters and specialized equipment to combat the fire.