How Do Angelenos Perceive the LA Wildfires?

This study explores a sample of 99,712 comments from 158 posts across Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook between January 8, 2025, and January 14, 2025.

Public sentiment surrounding the LA wildfires reveals a complex tapestry of community resilience, government criticism, and cultural identity. While the community's response showcases remarkable solidarity and mutual aid, there is significant discontent with perceived governmental failures and the role of celebrity involvement. The Hispanic community's proactive aid efforts highlight cultural values, while the emotional toll on Angelenos underscores the need for empathy and support.

How do these diverse perspectives shape the broader narrative of the LA wildfires?

Key Questions:

1. How are individuals and local organizations using social media and other platforms to coordinate support efforts?
2. How do Mayor Bass's actions and the LAFD budget cuts reflect a broader pattern of failed leadership and accountability?
3. How are narratives of community support intertwined with expressions of Hispanic cultural identity?
4. How are individuals expressing grief and loss in the context of the LA wildfires?
5. How do public perceptions of celebrity involvement differ based on the specific celebrity and their perceived authenticity?

Key Themes: mutual aid, leadership failures, cultural values, emotional trauma, performative activism, Santa Ana winds, financial hardship, political agendas.

Key Findings

• 37% of comments express emotional reactions and support, highlighting the profound grief and loss experienced by Angelenos due to the wildfires. This emotional toll is compounded by a 7% decrease in sadness and a 36% decrease in hope over the week, indicating a shift towards more complex emotional responses.
• Government critique and accountability are significant themes, comprising 21% of the discussion. The negative sentiment towards government actions is stark, with 93% of comments in this category expressing dissatisfaction, reflecting widespread discontent with leadership and resource allocation during the crisis.
• The Hispanic community's contributions are celebrated, with 64% of comments in this category expressing positive sentiment. This highlights the community's vital role in providing aid and support, challenging stereotypes and showcasing their integral role in the crisis response.
• 21% of comments express discontent, with a notable 14% increase over the week, driven by frustrations over insurance practices and financial implications. Concerns about rising premiums and economic burdens underscore the financial strain on affected communities.
• Community support and resilience shine through, with 83% of comments in this category expressing positivity. The use of social media platforms like TikTok for coordinating relief efforts demonstrates the power of digital tools in fostering community-led initiatives and mutual aid.

Topic 1: Emotional Reactions and Support

How are Angelenos coping with the emotional fallout of the fires?

This study explores a sample of 33,324 comments from 133 posts across various platforms, including Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, between January 8, 2025, and January 14, 2025.

The LA wildfires have ignited a firestorm of emotions, with sadness, fear, and concern dominating the online conversation. Many express deep grief over the loss of homes, treasured belongings, and the disruption of lives and communities. Fear permeates discussions about the fires' rapid spread, intense winds, and uncertain future. Amidst the devastation, however, glimmers of hope emerge, fueled by community resilience, acts of kindness, and the tireless efforts of first responders.

How can empathy and support help Angelenos navigate the emotional complexities of this disaster?

Key Questions

1. How are individuals expressing grief and loss in the context of the LA wildfires?
2. What sources of hope and resilience are evident in the online conversation?
3. What role do prayers and expressions of faith play in coping with the emotional distress caused by the fires?

Key Themes: sadness, grief, fear, hope, resilience, prayer, community support, emotional trauma, loss of homes, loss of possessions.

Key Findings

• The emotional devastation of the wildfires is palpable, with 29% of comments expressing negative sentiment, reflecting profound grief and loss. This aligns with the qualitative themes of trauma and the loss of irreplaceable memories.
• Despite the overwhelming sadness, hope and resilience shine through, as 24% of comments express hope, highlighting the community's strength and determination to rebuild.
• Faith and prayer play a crucial role in coping, with 40% of comments expressing love and affection, underscoring the importance of spiritual support and human connection during this crisis.
• Over the week, there was a 23% increase in joy and a 33% increase in love and affection, suggesting a growing sense of optimism and community solidarity as people come together to support one another.

Loss and Trauma Echo Through LA

‍The comments express profound grief and loss, with many describing the emotional devastation of losing not only their homes but also irreplaceable memories and sentimental items 13531 1996 201. One user laments the loss of their childhood home and family memories 16075, while another expresses sadness for the children, animals, and less fortunate individuals who lost their homes 12709.

'My grandma house is gone and we couldn’t get anything out of it all my family memories are gone we can’t get that back' 16075

'So sad .. i am so glad that many of you are safe..i pray that you can get all the necessary help and support you all need..sending love & best wishes from england.' 14019

'**** dude. I dont think i can live more than 48 hours without electricity, internet or fresh water. To think somewhere people lost their houses, their properties that they have so much memories with.' 207

The emotional toll of the wildfires extends beyond the immediate loss of property, impacting mental health and creating lasting trauma 10763 11010 11452. The suddenness of the fires and the difficulty of processing the scale of destruction contribute to a sense of shock and disbelief 13755 13929 15372.

'Be safe all......a house and belongings can be replaced you can not.....if you see glow near on horizon.......get out of there!!!!! winds can change in an instant.' 10763

'The 100 acres our hoke backs up to an arsonist started and it cake within 3 ft of our r home. burned the whole yard etc. we just saved the house i do not know how. it should hv burnt down. this was i think 2020 march. s0, my son was 6. he still get ptsd when hears fire trucks or ambulances.' 11010

'When i was 12, my mom’s house burned down. i had to watch that on the local news station because my elderly neighbor saved my dogs that were in the house. i was at my dad’s house with my 2 little siblings, and had no idea if my mom or my older sister were okay. to my knowledge they were home, no one could get ahold of them. i went to sleep that night not knowing if they were alive. i was terrified and although i still had things at my dad’s house i lost a lot of things that meant a lot to me.' 11452

The emotional scars of the wildfires will likely linger for years to come, impacting individuals, families, and communities.

Hope and Resilience Shine Through

Amidst the devastation, hope and resilience emerge as sources of strength for those affected by the wildfires 13544 13622 14401. Many express gratitude for the outpouring of support from communities, first responders, and even those from other states and countries 13635 13696 13828. The comments highlight the importance of human connection, kindness, and prayer in coping with loss and uncertainty 13578 13737 14015.

'We’ve been thinking a lot about you la; sending prayers ad blessings to all of you from the netherlands.' 13544

'I could not even imagine the tragedy that is busy playing out. Totally independent people, now having to humbly appreciate hand outs. my whole life was but a simple and challenges was but a life style. however the lord's favour was always on me and every now and then people donated clothes, or a lawnmower or furniture. so blessed but be strong people. trust in the lord and he will provide.' 13622

'Hopefully this will bring out the best in us.' 14401

The resilience of the human spirit is evident in the willingness to rebuild, both physically and emotionally 13778 13791 14039. The comments emphasize the importance of faith, family, and community in navigating the aftermath of the fires 13547 13652 14089.

'The reality of life, we all are living in castles of sand, in a blink everything is gone. lots of prayers for these people. a house burned down in my neighborhood, it’s been 2 years and still there is no construction. cant imagine how long would it take for all these people to get even a fraction of what they had.' 13778

'Sending you prayers of strength and comfort this difficult time. you will rebuild your life' 13791

'In 2015 we lost our home due to an electrical issue that wasnt fixed right by the insurance company. at the time i was 7 months pregnant, had 3 other children one which was only a year. lost absolutely everything we had, was one of the hardest times of our lives. the silver lining was no one was hurt except our cat and a dog passed away. there was so many kind donations from people including a neighbor we didnt know who paid our vet bill and saved our cat.' 14039

The ability to find strength in adversity and to support one another will be crucial for the long-term recovery of Los Angeles.

Faith and Prayer Offer Solace

Prayer and expressions of faith emerge as significant coping mechanisms for many individuals grappling with the emotional distress caused by the wildfires 13570 13609 14089. Many turn to prayer as a source of comfort, strength, and hope, seeking divine intervention to stop the fires, protect those in harm's way, and bring healing to the affected communities 14195 14256 14271.

'It’s time to turn away from sin and turn to **** for redemption, if still stubborn **** cannot help you.' 13570

'Listen folks.., bottom line, discern the times!!! if you don’t know jesus or have built a relationship with jesus.., it’s past time for you to do so! Seek the lord while he may be found, and call jesus while he is near.., because it’s about to get **** out here … across the entire globe!' 13609

'2 chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then i will hear from heaven, and i will forgive their sin and will heal their land the lord had mercy on those that got out with their life' 14089

The comments reflect a range of religious beliefs and practices, with some invoking specific deities or religious figures, while others express a more general sense of spirituality 14177 14272 15530. The shared experience of loss and the desire for comfort and healing transcend religious differences, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose 14127 14158 14224.

'Jesus christ died for our sins.he experienced loss,pain,betrayal and a painful death,etc..' 14177

'We need to pray for all americans living with all of these devastations with these fires and floods.praying they will be kept safe and they can all escape safely. I'm sorry for the loss of life that has already taken peoples loved ones .my condolences to all who have lost family members friends or neighbors. may **** bless all of you.i pray that **** be with all the first responders trying to save lives .' 14272

'Do not judge ****'s children. We are all ****'s children. **** hurts for all. Good, bad, rich, poor. Jesus says to pray for them. As jesus said he who has no sin cast the first stone. Prayers for all in california people, animals, homes. In jesus name amen From hawaii' 15530

The role of faith and prayer in providing solace and strength during times of crisis is evident in the comments, offering a sense of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

Topic 2: Government Critique and Accountability

Did Government Neglect Fuel the LA Wildfires?

This study explores a sample of 18,528 comments from 109 posts across various platforms, including Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, between January 8, 2025, and January 14, 2025.

A wave of criticism targets perceived government failures in the LA wildfire crisis. Mayor Bass's trip to Ghana during the emergency, coupled with the controversial decision to prioritize LAPD funding over the LAFD, ignited public outrage. Many view these actions as emblematic of a broader pattern of mismanagement, inadequate resource allocation, and a disregard for public safety.

Was this a natural disaster exacerbated by political agendas, or a crisis of leadership waiting to happen?

Key Questions

1. How do Mayor Bass's actions and the LAFD budget cuts reflect a broader pattern of failed leadership and accountability?
2. What role did the decision to send firefighting equipment to Ukraine play in the public's perception of misplaced government priorities?
3. How does Proposition 13 contribute to the funding challenges faced by essential services like wildfire prevention and response?

Key Themes: leadership failures, budget cuts, resource mismanagement, accountability, Proposition 13, public safety.

Key Findings

• A staggering 93% of comments express negative sentiment towards the handling of the LA wildfires, highlighting widespread public dissatisfaction with leadership and resource allocation.
• The emotion of discontent dominates the conversation, with 45% of comments expressing disappointment and frustration, underscoring the public's perception of mismanagement and misplaced priorities.
• Anger and fear are prevalent, accounting for 39% of the emotional responses, reflecting the public's outrage over budget cuts to the LAFD and the mayor's absence during a critical time.
• Despite the overwhelming negativity, there is a slight increase in positive sentiment, with a 1% rise over the week, suggesting a small but growing hope for change in leadership and policy.

Wasted Resources, Wasted Time

Mayor Bass's trip to Ghana during the LA wildfires, coupled with budget cuts to the LAFD, sparked outrage, viewed as symbols of misplaced priorities and failed leadership 40 50 51 52. One commenter noted the irony of cutting firefighter funding while increasing the LAPD budget, highlighting a perceived disregard for public safety amidst a known wildfire risk 40. Another commenter pointed out that the mayor’s trip occurred despite warnings of impending fire danger 51, further fueling perceptions of negligence.

'...cutting firefighter funding to give more money to an already insanely bloated lapd budget (they buy police-wrapped marketing lambos) is wild.' 40

'...she knew this had a perfect storm for fire danger written all over it and left anyways.' 51

'...focus on the city you run and stick around during risky times. it's not too much to ask of someone with her sworn responsibilities.' 52

The decision to send firefighting equipment to Ukraine further fueled public anger, seen as a critical misallocation of resources that directly compromised LA's wildfire preparedness 167 174. This decision intersected with broader criticisms of government spending and misplaced priorities, with many viewing it as a betrayal of the government's duty to protect its citizens 742 852.

'...sending “excess” fire equipment to ukraine wasn’t a bright idea.' 167

'...the fire service is under funded that can be fixed by raising taxes, but the voters won’t be willing to do that.' 904

'...only in america could the party that wants to spend money on infrastructure somehow be politically harmed by a disaster which highlights the needs for better infrastructure...' 852

The long-term economic consequences of these decisions are a major concern, with predictions of a diminished tax base, increased property taxes, and the daunting challenges of rebuilding in a devastated landscape 832 846. These financial burdens, coupled with the emotional toll of lost homes and lives, underscore the need for a fundamental shift in government priorities and a renewed commitment to responsible resource allocation.

Prevention Over Promises

The lack of preventative measures, such as inadequate brush clearing and insufficient water reserves, is a recurring theme in public criticism of the LA wildfire response 134 269 7927. Many comments express frustration that known fire risks were not adequately addressed, despite ample warnings and available resources 1999 2038. One commenter highlighted the irony of California's strict fire codes for residents, while the government itself failed to implement adequate preventative measures on public lands 134.

'...imagine if she had tried to enforce the fire code. people would have labelled her a evil liberal **** for siccing mexicans to cut down trees and remove brush.' 134

'...30years worth of dead brush and an empty reservoir to fight the fires locally made that area a tinder box just waiting to explode.' 269

'...governors and mayors have all been warned that with the right winds and the perfect climate, that california in its entirety could burn...and unless there is some divine miracle, this fire is going to spread further and quicker' 7927

The government's response, particularly in the crucial initial stages of the fires, is widely viewed as inadequate and lacking in urgency 112 118 983. Many comments contrast the rapid mobilization of resources in other countries during similar disasters with the perceived slow and disorganized response in Los Angeles 12309. This perceived failure to prioritize immediate action further erodes public trust in government leadership and underscores the need for a more proactive and effective approach to disaster preparedness.

'...now, if the disaster response after the fires is mishandled, like katrina, then the officials need to be held accountable... but no human could have prevented or stopped these fires.' 112

'...the city needed leadership in a predictably difficult time (weather event was forecast to be deadly) and she was mia doing what? attending an inauguration in africa?!' 118

'...in hindsight yes, but a once a fire actually happens it's important to divest all resources possible to stopping the fire so that it doesn't spread to other territories.' 983

The long-term implications of these failures extend beyond the immediate crisis, raising concerns about the future of wildfire management, the allocation of resources, and the ability of communities to rebuild and recover in a changing climate. The need for a more proactive, community-focused approach to disaster preparedness is evident, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures, responsible resource allocation, and effective leadership in mitigating the devastating impacts of future wildfires.

Topic 3: Political Discourse and Division

Are the LA Wildfires Fanning the Flames of Political Discord?

This study explores a sample of 17,422 comments from 105 posts across Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, spanning January 8th to 14th, 2025.

The LA wildfires have ignited a firestorm of political debate, with commenters leveraging the disaster to criticize perceived Democratic Party hypocrisy, particularly regarding DEI initiatives. The fires are linked to broader political agendas, including "defund the police," sanctuary city policies, and environmental regulations, fueling partisan divisions and accusations of mismanagement.

Is this a genuine critique of governance or an opportunistic exploitation of tragedy?

Key Questions

1. How are commenters connecting the LA wildfires to broader political agendas and policy criticisms?
2. How are the wildfires being used to compare and contrast Democratic and Republican responses to natural disasters?
3. What role is misinformation and disinformation playing in shaping public perception of the wildfires and the political response?

Key Themes: DEI criticisms, political agendas, misinformation, Democratic vs. Republican responses, government accountability, policy failures, community resilience.

Key Findings

• A staggering 84% of comments express negative sentiment towards the wildfires, with many criticizing the LAFD's DEI initiatives for allegedly compromising effectiveness during emergencies.
• The wildfires have become a political battleground, with 38% of comments expressing anger and fear, often linking the disaster to broader political agendas like "defund the police" and sanctuary city policies.
• Misinformation is rampant, with 10% of comments reflecting confusion and uncertainty, highlighting the need for critical thinking and responsible information sharing during crises.
• Despite the overwhelming negativity, there is a 5% increase in positive sentiment over the week, suggesting a slight shift towards more hopeful and constructive discussions.

DEI Initiatives Under Fire Amidst LA Wildfires

The LAFD’s DEI initiatives are being criticized by some commenters, who argue that prioritizing diversity over merit has compromised the department's effectiveness 77 1065. The Diversity Chief's controversial 2019 video, resurfacing amidst the wildfires, further fuels this criticism, with some questioning her qualifications and commitment to core firefighting duties 4 1081.

'113 firefighters that could be helping fight these terrible fires were shitcanned for refusing the covd vaccination... keep that in mind while thousands lose everything and the mayor sticks her fingers in her ears.' 77

'...the emphasis on qualities that have nothing to do with firefighting is going to **** people off in a field where no one gives a **** who you are as long as you are competent.' 1065

'...once again, an article highlighting a bunch of republicans who want to blame a democrat for anything that occurs yet never take any responsibility for what’s actually going on or what they do to society.' 42

This controversy underscores a broader debate about the role of DEI in public service, raising questions about its impact on competency and effectiveness during emergencies.

Political Agendas Fueling the Firestorm

The wildfires have become a battleground for broader political agendas, with commenters linking the disaster to "defund the police," sanctuary city policies, and environmental regulations 40 760. Some argue that these policies, championed by Democrats, have diverted resources from essential services like firefighting, exacerbating the crisis 852 91.

'...also cutting firefighter funding to give more money to an already insanely bloated lapd budget (they buy police-wrapped marketing lambos) is wild.' 40

'...it's a red herring to distract from the actual causes of the fires, those being poor forest management and amthropogenic climate change.' 760

'...it's amazing how they attach conspiracy to every event. bet newsom also has a machine that created this fire weather.' 267

This politicization of the wildfires highlights deep-seated divisions within American society, where natural disasters become opportunities to advance partisan agendas.

Misinformation and Disinformation Cloud the Narrative

Misinformation and disinformation are clouding the narrative surrounding the wildfires, with false claims about budget cuts, the Hollywood sign burning, and the cause of the fires circulating online 157 759 1337. This spread of misinformation, often amplified by partisan actors, further complicates the situation and hinders efforts to address the real issues at hand 245 808.

'The people commenting on that petition are either republicans, not from la, or are sitting in a russian bot farm. they can’t spell altadena or newsom correctly. ffs, try harder 🤣' 157

'I think (although this might just be confirmation bias) that i see a lot more significant people (people i had heard of before this all happened) blaming the fires on woke or dei or democrats than saying it doesn't matter because it only impacts rich people (which isn't true, obviously).' 759

'This article is drive-by outrage bait for idiots' 1338

The proliferation of misinformation underscores the need for critical thinking and responsible information sharing during crises, especially in the age of social media.

‍Topic 4: Community Support and Response

How is the LA community responding to the devastating wildfires?

This study explores a sample of 8,948 comments from 119 posts across various platforms between January 8, 2025, and January 14, 2025.

Amidst the devastation of the LA wildfires, a powerful wave of community support has emerged. From street vendors offering free meals to neighbors sheltering evacuees, everyday people are demonstrating remarkable resilience and compassion. Social media, especially TikTok, has become a vital tool for coordinating donations, mobilizing volunteers, and sharing critical information, enabling rapid response to the evolving crisis. This grassroots mobilization highlights the strength and resourcefulness within affected communities, offering a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy.

Is community support enough to overcome the challenges of a large-scale natural disaster?

Key Questions

1. How are individuals and local organizations using social media and other platforms to coordinate support efforts?
2. What specific acts of mutual aid and resilience are being highlighted in user comments?
3. How are the narratives of community strength shaping public perception of the crisis and inspiring collective action?

Key Themes: mutual aid, community resilience, social media mobilization, volunteer efforts, resource sharing, information dissemination, California strong.

Key Findings

• The community's resilience and collective spirit shine through, with 83% of comments expressing positive sentiment about the support and unity in response to the wildfires. This highlights the power of community in overcoming adversity.
• Social media, particularly TikTok, emerges as a crucial tool in disaster response, with 84% of TikTok comments reflecting positive sentiment. This underscores the platform's role in mobilizing resources and fostering community connections.
• The sentiment of "California strong" is evident, with 40% of comments expressing love and affection, emphasizing the community's determination to rebuild and support one another.
• A significant increase in joy and love is observed over the week, with joy rising by 17% and love and affection by 13%. This suggests a growing sense of hope and unity as the community rallies together.
• Despite the positivity, 11% of comments express negative sentiment, reflecting ongoing concerns and challenges faced by those affected by the wildfires.

LA's Heart Beats Strong

Consumers express immense gratitude for the outpouring of support from within and outside of Los Angeles 14 104 185 452 7680 10608, highlighting acts of kindness that range from offering spare rooms to donating essential supplies 13565 2527 8769. Many emphasize the importance of community in times of crisis, sharing personal stories of neighbors helping neighbors and strangers offering aid 17892 2081 2518 2525.

'If the studios had a heart they would start up more productions here to get money to the city and gigs to the people who need money the most.' 14

'Not at all. There may be some harsh air quality - at worst - but you’re good in Palms...if you ever wanna try Samosa House, hit the one on west on Washington (towards Venice) not Washington east. Night n’ day difference. Also, Rose Market has great coffee n’ baked goods, great beer selection too. Super friendly people there.' 367

'I live two hours away. 34 yo male here. My immediate goal is to volunteer my time to help with the ongoing Southern California fires...until I find a job, I’d like to use my free time to give back and support the community wherever help is needed.' 8769

The unwavering support from within the community, coupled with aid from other states and countries, underscores the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

Digital Lifeline: TikTok & Mutual Aid

Consumers praise the use of social media, particularly TikTok, as a vital tool for coordinating relief efforts and disseminating crucial information 376 377 389 404 410 472 17436 18397 25843 65235. Many share links to donation pages, volunteer opportunities, and real-time fire updates, demonstrating the platform's effectiveness in mobilizing resources and connecting those in need with those who can help 19281 20267. Several users highlight the role of TikTok in amplifying the voices of those directly affected by the fires, providing a platform for sharing personal experiences and fostering a sense of community 17470 18037 28211.

'Download Watch Duty app. There is a lot of things between us and where the fire is.' 404

'If you have the means, you should donate directly to the firefighters and those affected here' 472

'For anyone who needs it, emergency notifications/alerts can be found on ReadySoCal and Watch Duty app.' 19281

This reliance on digital platforms underscores the evolving landscape of disaster response, where social media plays a crucial role in connecting communities and facilitating aid.

California Strong: Resilience and Rebuilding

Consumers emphasize the resilience of Californians 147 7569 11993 20599, highlighting the "California strong" sentiment and the community's determination to rebuild 13169 20573 20579 20588. Many express hope for a stronger, more united future, emphasizing the importance of learning from the tragedy and implementing measures to prevent future disasters 975 1012 1015 14977 15766. Several users share personal stories of rebuilding after previous wildfires, offering encouragement and advice to those currently affected 9252 13019 13679.

'Houses were going to burn. Thousands and thousands of people survived. That’s truly amazing.' 147

'Well…no matter your wealth..this is still sad..just like other places in L.A that are also burning..and people no matter their wealth background are loosing their home & animals…but coming out to help each other..we in NorCal know too much of what this feels like.' 7569

'Californians have a resilience all their own!' 11993

This focus on rebuilding and learning from the past demonstrates a forward-looking approach, emphasizing the community's capacity to adapt and emerge stronger from adversity.

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Note

This is only HALF of a comprehensive report generated by OneCliq, providing deep insights into public reactions to the 2025 LA wildfires. The full report also explores additional critical topics, including:

• Topic 4: Community Support and Response
• Topic 5: Wildfire Causes and Management
• Topic 6: Celebrity Involvement and Critique
• Topic 7: Insurance and Financial Implications
• Topic 8: Cultural Identity and Contributions
• References

The full report, complete with all sections and a detailed reference list, is 14,200 words and 91,452 characters in length. If you’d like to read full reports like this one or explore any topic of your choice with the ease of a Google search, start a free trial today. With OneCliq, uncovering real-time insights and trends is faster and more intuitive than ever.