Truthout
Wildfires
New Research Links Wildfire Retardants to Dangerous Heavy Metal Pollution
The hot-pink mix of water and chemicals, which is sprayed from planes to combat wildfires, is under renewed scrutiny.
Here’s What Trump Can — and Can’t — Do to Disrupt Los Angeles Wildfire Aid
Experts say it would be hard for Trump to revoke FEMA funding, but Congress could slow down California’s recovery.
Los Angeles Fires Underscore Activists’ Call: Make Polluters Pay for Disasters
In New York, a “Superfund” law makes fossil fuel firms pay for aid in climate disasters. Could California do the same?
Experts Expect the Health Impacts of Toxic California Wildfire Smoke to Linger
At the moment, air pollution experts know how much smoke fills the air. But they don’t know what’s in it.
Wildfires Can Contaminate Drinking Water Systems With Harmful Chemicals
Some local water systems in the Los Angeles area have begun issuing warnings about potentially unsafe drinking water.
Mutual Aid Networks That Emerged in Housing Crisis Are Mobilizing Amid LA Fires
“If you can make a sandwich, you can start a mutual aid network,” one Los Angeles organizer told Truthout.
CA Law Allows Low Wages for Incarcerated Firefighters as “Involuntary Servitude”
Voters in November rejected a ballot measure that would've made it easier to change prisoners' working conditions.
Advocates Demand Tenant Protections as LA Landlords Use Fires to Price Gouge
Tenant groups are calling for an eviction moratorium and rent freeze as landlords seek to profit from the crisis.
While Los Angeles Burns, AI Fans the Flames
Artificial intelligence is a water-guzzling industry hastening future climate crises from California's own backyard.
“Weather Whiplash” Fueled by Climate Change Produced Catastrophic Fires in LA
Climate change is heightening the swings between very wet and very dry weather, creating prime conditions for wildfires.