Throughout the past week, various fires have been spreading around Los Angeles. Although Los Angeles is often vulnerable to fires, the current Palisades Fire has burned more acres than any previous fire in Los Angeles. Many buildings in the Malibu area have been destroyed, with rebuilding being a difficult task.

Personally, I have yet to be directly affected by the fire. Los Angeles is a large city, and the Palisades fire is still about a dozen miles away from my house. However, there have been close calls, and my family is prepared to evacuate, just in case. I cannot say that the experience hasn’t been somewhat frightening, but life is resuming to normalcy, even though the fires continue to blaze.

Last week, a small fire erupted less than a mile from my house, which was, fortunately, extinguished. There was also simultaneously a fire in the Hollywood Hills, which fortunately did not reach the north side of the mountain that faces the valley in which I live. I feel very lucky for my situation, and for once I am grateful that Los Angeles is not as dense as other cities. I am slightly concerned, however, about harmful chemicals being released from the destroyed buildings. (Max Schank)