In January 2025, severe drought and 100-mph (roughly 160-kph) Santa Ana winds fueled 14 devastating wildfires across Los Angeles, destroying over 18,000 buildings and displacing 200,000 residents. While officials reported 31 direct fatalities, public health studies estimate 440 excess deaths linked to toxic smoke and disrupted medical care. In the disaster's aftermath, a stark wealth divide has defined recovery efforts, with lower-income residents facing displacement while wealthier communities leverage private resources to rebuild.
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2026 Photo Contest - North and Central America - Stories
Los Angeles on Fire
Photographer
Ethan Swope
for Associated Press
Camera
Canon EOS R5
Jury comment
This story captures the devastating Los Angeles fires, conveying both the scale of destruction and the impact on communities; with a range of children and elders represented. Through strong colors and dynamic images, the work communicates the urgency and chaos of evacuations, while details like Christmas decorations and the visualization of spreading Santa Ana winds situate the tragedy in a specific time and place. The project offers a well-rounded perspective on loss, resilience, and communal experience amid an unprecedented disaster.