Los Angeles (LA) is on fire. The second most populous city of America is grappling with a series of wildfires that have ignited across the region, worsened by ongoing dry conditions and strong winds. An area of 117 square kilometres has been burnt. The biggest blaze, named the “Canyon Fire,” has consumed over 5,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for several communities. The wildfires in Los Angeles have resulted in at least 11 confirmed fatalities. The situation remains dire, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as search and recovery efforts continue in affected areas.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the flames, but challenges remain due to difficult terrain and erratic weather patterns. The Los Angeles Fire Department reports that containment efforts are currently at 30%. Fire crews are utilising both aerial support and ground teams to combat the fire’s spread. The air quality has deteriorated significantly, leading to health advisories for nearby areas.
The fires have significantly impacted iconic neighbourhoods, including parts of the Hollywood Hills. Many homes belonging to celebrities have been destroyed. The legendary Hollywood signboard has been burnt to ashes. The fires have not only caused extensive property damage but have also disrupted numerous events and business activities in the region, including the Oscar nominations.
Scale of the damage
Nearly 10,000 building structures have been destroyed. Some specifics of the impact can be seen through the following details: Palisades Fire: 6% controlled; destroyed or damaged 5,300 structures, Eaton Fire: Out of control; damaged or destroyed 4,000 to 5,000 structures, Kenneth Fire: Expanded to 960 acres (388 hectares); 35% under control, Hurst Fire: 37% contained and Lidia Fire: 75% contained. With gusts up to 100 miles per hour, about 180,000 people have evacuated with another 200,000 people under evacuation warnings.
AccuWeather has projected that the total damage and economic losses from the fires could range between $135 billion and $150 billion. According to Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at Accuweather, “This is shaping up to be the most devastating wildfire in California’s history and potentially the most destructive in modern U.S. history.
“Our estimate accounts for the damage already incurred, along with anticipated near-term impacts of the fires,” he added.
The assessment was derived from a broad array of data, including property destruction, evacuation efforts, and longer-term consequences such as job and wage losses, as well as a decline in regional tourism.
Hollywood and Gaza
Some of the Hollywood celebrities who lost their homes in the LA fires include: Jeff Bridges, Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, James Woods, Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Cameron Mathison, and Jamie Lee Curtis (escaped damage but affected emotionally). Other celebrities who were forced to evacuate or impacted include: Mark Hamill, Eugene Levy, and DuaLipa.
Hollywood is dominated by the Jewish community. So, it was only natural for Hollywood to offer overwhelming support for Israel in its ongoing genocide in Gaza. During the Gaza genocide, numerous celebrities, filmmakers, and producers took to social media and public platforms to voice their solidarity with Israel. Notably, actress Gal Gadot, an Israeli citizen, posted: “My heart breaks. My country is at war. I stand with Israel, and I pray for peace and for all the victims.”
Directors like Steven Spielberg and influential producers have historically expressed unequivocal support for Israel, with some using their clout to organize charitable campaigns or public petitions. For example, a letter circulated by the Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), signed by hundreds of entertainment figures, called for global condemnation of Hamas’ actions and reinforced Israel’s position to continue the bombing and destruction of Gaza.
Once the LA fires started, social media was flooded with images comparing the destruction in Los Angeles with the devastation in Gaza.
What goes around comes around
James Woods, the 77-year-old actor known for films like Vampires and Once Upon a Time in America, broke down in tears during a CNN interview while recounting the devastation of losing his Pacific Palisades home to the ongoing LA fires. Overcome with emotion, Woods described the abrupt destruction, saying, “One day you’re swimming in the pool, and the next day it’s all gone.”
Woods also recalled evacuating amidst the chaos, assisting his 94-year-old neighbour with dementia, who had been left alone. “It was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us,” he said. Fighting tears, Woods admitted, “I thought I would be stronger than this.” Social media users reminded the world that Woods has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Following news of his loss, an earlier post of his on X has resurfaced, where he allegedly stated, “No ceasefire. No compromise. No forgiveness. #KillThemAll.”
In response to Woods losing his home, Imam Omar Suleiman addressed the situation on his Instagram account, “Praying that God protect the lives and properties of innocent people in Los Angeles and beyond. But can’t help but notice this. The people of Gaza continue to be exterminated by the cruel in houses of power, with the support of the cruel who feel invincible in their mansions.”
Others reminded the world on their social media about the cyclical nature of divine justice, implying that people will eventually experience the results of their own behaviour.
Retributive justice
In Islam, the principle of actions leading to corresponding consequences is closely aligned with the Quranic understanding of cause and effect and is intricately linked to the broader framework of retributive justice. The Quran says that every deed, whether good or bad, is accounted for.
“Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Qur’an 99:7-8).
Unlike the karmic cycle in Hinduism or Buddhism, which often operates as a self-regulating cosmic force, Islamic justice is governed by Allah’s will, wisdom, and mercy. Allah is the ultimate judge, and His justice ensures that everyone receives their due recompense, either in this world or in the Hereafter.
Retribution in Islam is not only about punishment but also about restoring balance and ensuring accountability, as emphasised in the laws of “qisas” (equitable retribution). Ultimately, true and real justice occurs in the Hereafter, where all actions will be weighed, and every soul will face the ultimate judgment.
LA fires may not be a direct consequence of the Gaza genocide, but it does remind Americans and the people of the world about the destruction and devastation faced by the people of Gaza in defending their right to freedom and liberty.