Wildfires in Los Angeles County have destroyed 12,000 structures, resulting in massive evacuations and over 10 fatalities so far.
The fires are fueled by drought and strong winds, raising concerns about the increasing intensity of such events due to climate change.
The piece discusses humanity's reliance on fire as a power source and questions whether fossil fuels are liberating or imprisoning us.
Climate scientists have warned about the increased likelihood of wildfires due to global warming, with the current situation seen as a foreseeable outcome.
The ongoing fires serve as a stark reminder of the environmental consequences tied to human activity and fossil fuel consumption.