Dear RYSERS,

As we step into this new year, we are confronted with the heartbreaking reality of the wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles—a city so dear to our hearts. The devastation has touched so many of our family, friends, wildlife, and community, with lives, homes, and businesses lost. These fires are not just another disaster; they are a reminder of the delicate balance our planet relies on and how quickly that balance can shift.

As these fires are still being extinguished, blame is everywhere. The left accuses the right of ignoring environmental issues while dismantling existing climate change regulations. The right argues the left prioritizes initiatives like diversity and equity over preparedness. And swirling through it all are rumors—wild speculations adding to the chaos.

But while the finger-pointing continues, and folks debate the role of climate change, we risk losing sight of what truly matters—preventing these events from becoming more devastating. These catastrophes, whether they are hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, are becoming more severe, more frequent, and more dangerous. These fires weren’t random. They were accelerated by forces we can measure, understand, and prepare better for—if we choose to focus on solutions rather than political ideologies. So how do we shift from divisive rhetoric to actionable solutions to prepare for the inevitable next one?

Why don’t we start with understanding the science, then focus on rebuilding, and finally on fostering collaboration between people who may not agree with you. All of this in order to ensure a safer, more resilient future.

The Science: The Role of Santa Ana Winds

We need to understand the science behind these extreme events to truly address the causes and make preparations for moving forward. As the exact reason for these specific fires remains unclear and the investigations are ongoing, one thing is certain: the conditions that allowed them to spread so rapidly were not accidental—they were driven by a changing environment. It’s a sobering reminder that the impact is both personal and devastating.

What are the Santa Ana winds (also known as the Devil Winds) and why are they the key to understanding what happened? The science behind them is critical to understanding their destructive power. These winds, which typically occur from September through March and can last for several days at a time, are driven by high-pressure systems over the inland deserts pushing air toward the coast, where the pressure is lower. As the air flows downhill and through mountain and canyon passes, it compresses and heats up, creating gusts that usually range from thirty to sixty miles per hour. During extreme conditions—like those we’ve just witnessed— hurricane-strength winds can exceed one hundred miles per hour, transforming small flames into an unstoppable inferno.

Thirty-six hours before the fires ignited, meteorologists issued warnings of “life-threatening and destructive winds.” The National Weather Service predicted conditions akin to those in December 2011, when similar extreme wind speeds were recorded. However, unlike today, there were no significant wildfires tied to those winds. The probable difference is that precipitation levels in 2011 had been closer to average, keeping the environment more humid and the vegetation less dry and brittle. This moisture acted as a natural defense, preventing the ignition and spread of major fires.

This time,  Los Angeles experienced an exceptionally dry season, with only 0.16 inches of rain since May 6, 2024. This lack of rain left vegetation brittle and primed for ignition. And while drought is not new to California, this level of dryness, coupled with higher-than-usual desert temperatures, created the perfect storm for destruction. This combination of factors—persistent dryness, intensified winds, and elevated temperatures—made containment nearly impossible.

From Talking to Action: Striving for a Fire-Resilient Los Angeles

As Los Angeles begins to recover from the devastation, it is essential to adopt actionable plans that prioritize resilience and yes, when possible sustainability. By learning from the past and taking strategic steps forward, we can build a city better prepared for future wildfires. Here are key approaches to rebuilding smarter:

1. Build Fire-Resistant Roofs and Siding: Roofs made of materials like metal, clay tiles, or asphalt shingles designed to withstand fire can provide a critical layer of protection. Pairing these with nonflammable siding, such as fiber cement or stucco, can significantly reduce the risk of homes igniting during a wildfire. These improvements not only safeguard individual structures but also slow the spread of fire within communities.

2. Reevaluate Land Use Planning: Reduce development in high-risk fire zones by implementing stricter zoning regulations. Encourage the creation of firebreaks, buffer zones, and green spaces, such as parks, playing fields, and bike paths, which can act as natural fire barriers while enhancing urban landscapes.

3. Promote Forest Management: Invest in proactive forest management techniques, including controlled burns, thinning, and reforestation with fire-resistant plant species. These methods help reduce the buildup of dry vegetation and mitigate the spread of future wildfires.

4. Modernize Infrastructure: Update critical infrastructure to be fire-resilient. This includes burying power lines to prevent sparks, upgrading water systems to ensure adequate supply for firefighting, and integrating smart technologies to monitor and respond to fire threats in real time.

5. Address Housing Density: In many Los Angeles neighborhoods, homes are densely packed, creating a significant fire hazard by allowing fires to spread rapidly from one structure to the next. Rebuilding efforts should include plans to create natural buffers, such as green spaces or firebreaks, between homes to slow the spread of fire and reduce the overall risk.

6. Incorporate Renewable Energy Solutions: Invest in decentralized renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and microgrids, to ensure a reliable power supply during emergencies. These systems reduce reliance on traditional grids that can become ignition themselves sources during high winds.

7. Implement and Enforce Vegetation Restrictions: Vegetation that is too close to homes can act as a dangerous fuel source during wildfires. Implementing stricter vegetation restrictions and enforcing regular maintenance can create defensible spaces around structures, reducing the risk of ignition and helping to slow the spread of fires in vulnerable areas.

A Shared Responsibility

Let’s set aside the political debates for a moment. Let’s pretend climate change doesn’t exist. Here at RYSIT we believe that it does, and we will always cheer for science. But for the next four years, we will have an administration that largely doesn’t believe in it, and many in the country—through their votes—have shown they feel the same. With this said, we cannot afford to spend the next four years doubling down on “drill, baby, drill.”  Regardless of which side of the aisle you sit on, we simply cannot ignore the other half. Instead, we must find ways to forge commonality. In times of crisis, the divisions that separate us by ideology or political beliefs should not hinder our ability to unite for the greater good.

Even if you don’t believe in the science behind climate change, investing in renewable energy- solar, wind, hydro and nuclear power-makes sense economically and environmentally. Cleaner energy means healthier lives, job creation, and innovation. Listening to one another and compromising on solutions is the most constructive way forward. We are all part of a system that is interconnected, fragile and at this moment, in desperate need of recalibration-not just in our systems, but also within ourselves. In every crisis, including this one, there is an opportunity to rise again.

How to help

Donate to Nonprofit Organizations

Supporting nonprofits is a crucial way to help those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. These organizations deliver essential aid, including shelter, food, medical assistance, and long-term recovery efforts. Your donation helps provide critical resources to affected communities quickly and efficiently. Check out the organizations below to make a real impact today:

• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: This fund provides grants to help rebuild homes, support mental health services, and assist those impacted by wildfires.

• Red Cross Los Angeles Region: The Red Cross provides emergency shelter, food, and support to evacuees. They also work with local authorities to aid long-term recovery.

• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: This organization supports firefighters by providing tools, equipment, and resources needed during wildfire emergencies.

• California Fire Foundation: They provide financial and emotional support to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters on the frontlines, and victims of fire.

• United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Focused on helping displaced families and individuals find temporary housing and rebuild their lives.

• Direct Relief: This nonprofit supplies medical aid to first responders and health facilities serving affected communities.

Volunteer your Time

Getting involved as a volunteer is a meaningful way to help those affected by wildfires. Whether providing support to displaced families or assisting with cleanup efforts, your time and dedication can really make a difference. Check out these organizations offering volunteer opportunities:

• Canine Rescue Club: The club is looking for volunteers to offer temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the fires. If you're able to offer a safe and loving home to an affected dog, you can apply by completing their online form. form.

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Help distribute food to families affected by the fires.

• Team Rubicon: Join a network of veterans and volunteers providing disaster response services, including debris removal and home rebuilding.

Support Wildlife Rescue and Recovery

Wildfires have long-term effects on local wildlife and ecosystems, often displacing animals, causing injuries, and destroying natural habitats. Supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts helps restore ecological balance. Explore the organizations below to contribute through donations or volunteer work:

California Wildlife Center: Provides care and rehabilitation to animals injured in the wildfires.

• Pasadena Humane Society: Offers medical care, shelter, and reunification services for pets displaced or injured during the wildfires​.

• In Defense of Animals: This international organization provides temporary housing and essential resources like veterinary supplies, food, and water for animals displaced by wildfires. Support their efforts with an online donation to help care for affected animals and their owners.

Provide Supplies and Resources

Providing essential supplies is a valuable way to support evacuees and frontline responders. Many shelters and aid organizations depend on donated items to assist displaced individuals and families. Here are some ways you can help:

• Donate Essentials: Contact local shelters to see if they need items such as clothing, toiletries, blankets, and non-perishable food.

• Airbnb Open Homes: Offer your home as temporary housing for evacuees through Airbnb’s disaster relief program.