The Los Angeles fires have put the state’s breach of the basic social contract on full, horrific display. The citizens upheld their end of the deal: they paid taxes and complied with the law in exchange for basic services like safety and functional fire hydrants. Yet Los Angeles, one of America’s great cities, is burning down before our eyes.
The Los Angeles fires have caused unprecedented devastation. As of Jan. 15, they have claimed 25 lives, with search and rescue operations ongoing. Over 12,300 structures are destroyed , including homes, businesses and vehicles. Approximately 319,000 residents have been subjected to evacuation orders and warnings to seek refuge from the advancing flames.
More than 40,000 Los Angeles acres have burned; the Palisades fire alone has consumed over 23,700 acres . To put this in perspective, all of Manhattan is 14,600 acres …