UPDATE as of Jan. 10: Firefighters continue to battle multiple major fires in the Los Angeles area. At least 5 people have been killed, a number officials expect to rise, and 180,000 are under evacuation orders. The fires that started on Tuesday are now among the most destructive in California state history and more than thousands of buildings and structures have been destroyed already. Watch News Hour's Los Angeles begins to face 'apocalyptic' devastation as wildfires continue to burn.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
From Jan. 8, 2025: Wildfires accelerated by historically strong winds have created extreme conditions for millions of people in the Los Angeles region. Winds of 70 to 80 mph allowed it to quickly spread over thousands of acres. Geoff Bennett discussed the latest with Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- When did the fires affecting the Los Angeles area begin?
- What conditions have led to these Los Angeles–area fires being so difficult to control?
- Why are area firefighters struggling with resources needed to contain the spread of the fires?
- How have agencies outside of Los Angeles been helping to fight the fires?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How do you think a large city like Los Angeles could better prepare for wildfires, which are becoming increasingly common in California?
Media literacy: Why do you think this segment focuses on an interview with one fire chief? What expertise is he able to provide to help inform viewers? Who else would you want to hear from to understand the impact of the fires?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
— Students can follow developments here, as firefighters try to contain multiple blazes. You can also watch the video below for more background on the fires.
— Learn more about the role incarcerated men and women play in fighting wildfires in California. Watch California prison inmates become a critical resource for fighting wildfires (2021) or read Inmates are among firefighters battling Los Angeles’ wildfires: Here’s why (Jan. 9, 2025). Discuss why the program is a source of debate and talk about its ethical implications.
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