On the morning of Jan. 7, just days into the new year, the Palisades Fire erupted and ravaged the Los Angeles County coast from Malibu to Santa Monica. Within 24 hours, two more fires —  Eaton and Hughes — ignited.
Wildfires are increasingly touching more diverse communities as fires grow in intensity and extend into urban areas, according to researchers.
California officials on Monday released another set of county maps rating the likelihood and severity of wildfires as part of an executive order by Gov. Gavin Newsom signed earlier this month.
California wildfires are causing long-term damage to ecosystems, water systems, and the economy — costs that are often overlooked.
Losses in the state are expected to exceed $250 billion. A leading scholar in insurance law says the question isn’t if someone will pay, but who.