Wildfires are spreading across the greater Los Angeles area, wreaking havoc on dozens of communities and leaving destruction and death in their wake.

The fires began Jan. seven in Malibu and by the 11th, it had spread 10 miles. At least 12,000 homes and business have been consumed by flames, and the fires have claimed at least 27 lives, according to CNN. There are several fires burning currently, including the Hurst fire, the Palisades fire, and the Eaton fire. Communities among the Santa Monica Mountains such as Pacific Palisades are devastated and rebuilding is estimated to cost billions of dollars.

Wildfires are not an uncommon occurrence in Southern California. The dry climate and high winds put the area at risk. According to a TIME magazine article from January 12, “The 2017 Thomas Fire, one of the largest fires in state history, was sparked by Southern California Edison power lines that came into contact during high wind, investigators determined. The blaze killed two people and charred more than 440 square miles.”

The recent wildfires began as small brush fires, but have grown due to the drought and embers being spread by the Santa Ana winds.

According to BBC, “Although strong winds and lack of rain are driving the blazes, experts say climate change is altering the background conditions and increasing the likelihood of such fires.”

The BBC also says “US government research is unequivocal in linking climate change to larger and more severe wildfires in the western US.”

In the midst of these fires, Williston boarding students from the greater Los Angeles area have been severely impacted.

Hadyeh Saborouh, a senior boarder from Pacific Palisades, says her family has suffered great losses due to the fires.

“We lost our house, cars, clothes, and mostly everything you’d imagine to have in your homes. What was most hurtful was that we didn’t think it’d hit us, and so we didn’t think to bring out any photo albums, and its hard to think that those small memories are now gone too,” she said. “My mom had only half an hour to evacuate because it was spreading so quickly. She then had to watch our house set on fire, which is pretty hard to watch.”

Margaret Himes, a sophomore boarder from Pacific Palisades, says the fires have been catastrophic for her family and community.

“The schools, local business, churches, recreational centers, and neighborhoods were destroyed,” she said. “My little brother’s school was burnt down. My house burnt down. My best friend’s house burnt down. My elderly sick grandparents’ home [burnt down].”

The fires have also affected Margaret’s emotional state.

“Seeing the photos and videos of the aftermath of my once lovely home is indescribable and sometimes I feel like it isn’t real,” she said. “While this was and still is a devastating experience, it made me realize how important people are, and to never take anything for granted.”

If you wish to support Margaret and her family, the link below is to a GoFundMe to help her grandparents rebuild their home:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-kiefers-rebuild-after-fire-tragedy