Mom, I heard there was a fire somewhere. I am scared. Are we safe? Will the fires burn our house?
My love, I am sad that fires have broken out in Los Angeles, California.
The city of Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, where many movies were made. Many of your favorite movies were made there.
On January 7, 2025, a big fire started in Los Angeles. The wind was super strong, and the grass was very dry. The fire grew bigger quickly. The fire spread to different cities quickly.
That was super fast! What started the fire?
We don’t know yet. It has been very dry in California. There were many months without rain. Also, there were very strong winds, like from your hairdryer. These winds blew the flames and embers to other places.
Are people all right?
Many people had to leave their houses, with little time to pack their belongings. With heavy traffic, many people had to abandon their cars and walk on foot.
I hope they reached a safe place!
More than 10,000 homes, schools, and restaurants were destroyed. Some people died. When people returned homes the next day, they found nothing but ashes where their beloved homes once stood.
It is hard to see how the fire burned down such a beautiful home.
What happened to the children who lost their toys, homes, and loved ones? I am so so sad. Will someone help them?
I know, my love. My heart aches too.
But you know what? Many people have come together to help fight the fires. They are lending a helping hand to their friends and people. We are building a support system to help everyone.
The fire was burning hot, but the brave firefighters worked hard to fight the fires. They were tired, but they kept working.
They are my heros!
When the wind stopped, the helicopters also helped to stop the fires by dropping water.
Do people have places to go and food to eat?
Yes! Many strangers showed up to provide food, water, and other supplies. Many people opened up their homes so their friends could stay with them. People have been able to go to the emergency shelters to sleep and rest.
Many volunteers gave food and water to firefighters, fire respondents, and people in need. Many restaurant and food truck owners started cooking for people who are staying in shelters.
Kind strangers set up big tents to gather donations, and people in need came to the tents to take what they needed.
So many heroes!!! What about pets?
Many pets stayed with their owners. Others were rescued and placed in pet shelters. Some dogs got lost but the firefighters helped them reunite with their families!
It is amazing to see people being willing to help without being asked.
People are awesome! I want to be like them! How can I help?
Yes, my love. There are lots of ways for you to help out! You can donate your toys to the children of Los Angeles. We can raise and donate money to people of Los Angeles. We can also adopt a dog or cat from the shelter!
Yay! I'm ready!
Will people be alright? They have lost everything!
It will take lots of time, work, and effort to rebuild the houses, schools, and communities affected by the fire.
What if they miss their loved ones who died in the fire?
My love, it is okay to be sad and cry. But please remember that your loved one is smiling at you from above the sky. When you miss them, look at the sky and find the brightest star!
Will the fire happen again?
My love, I don’t know if the fire will happen again. The earth is getting hotter, and we are responsible for that. We must be nice to the earth so that you and your kids can have a nice place to live.
Am I safe?
My love, I will try my BEST to protect you to make sure you have a safe place to sleep, tasty food to eat, and fun toys to play with! And guess what… as long as we are alive, there is always HOPE!
And always remember that I love you to the moon and back!
Shu-Chen Jenny Yen, a professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), brings over 28 years of professional experience in early childhood education (ECE). As a passionate advocate for young children, she extends her expertise through her work as a children’s book author. She has developed numerous “social stories” in response to international natural disasters and social crises, including typhoons, hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and anti-Asian racism.
Apen Lee is a seasoned artist with over 30 years of experience in the arts, culture, and entertainment industries. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous projects, including collaborations with international action movie superstars and cultural branding initiatives. He launched the “FOCUS Watch” forum, dedicated to exploring themes of ecology and civilization in China. He also organizes the “No Waste Planet – Carbon Neutral Green” art exhibitions, promoting green living and the principles of “Zero Waste.”
Yin-Fang Wei is an illustrator and a special needs classroom assistant with a deep and enduring commitment to supporting children and adolescents with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Currently a graduate student at the Graduate Institute of Children’s Literature at National Taitung University in Taiwan, she strives to create meaningful stories about “invisible disabilities,” promoting greater awareness and fostering support for individuals facing these challenges.