As wildfires rage across California, including the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Palisades and Eaton Canyon, millions can only watch as communities are razed to the ground.

Since Jan. 7, a series of fires has destroyed or damaged 6,354 homes across Southern California, with 5,449 completely burned and 905 partially affected, according to Cal Fire reports.

These fires have forced over 100,000 residents to flee their homes in areas such as Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank. Experts warn of long-term mental health impacts, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“It’s devastating,” senior and Bellaire resident Emma Kolah said. “No matter the income or tax bracket of the neighborhoods destroyed, it’s just awful.”

For senior Aliya Taeuber there’s a feeling of helpless, “devastating” horror while watching other “people’s houses being burnt to the ground.”

As the fires continue to burn, others are increasingly questioning whether such disasters are becoming more frequent.

“I think it’s probably going to become more common in the coming years,” Kolah said. “We see it not just in wildfires but in blizzards and hurricanes too. Every natural disaster is becoming more intense because of climate change.”

AP Environmental Science teacher, Dipti Patel, voices her concerns that these climate anomalies could become commonplace, not just in California but as part of a broader global health crisis.

“We need to research more into it and see why these are so frequent, then come up with a possible solution,” Patel said. ““We already see a huge increase in the carbon dioxide levels they’ve been monitoring.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that climate change has intensified weather patterns, contributing to the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, including wildfires. Rising global temperatures and high winds have been identified as key factors fueling these wildfires.

Students are brainstorming ways to support wildfire victims in California.

“We should dedicate more resources to help people who are either trapped in wildfires or losing their belongings,” Taeuber said. “A lot of people lost clothes and general belongings–there could be a donation drive for old clothes [people] don’t really use anymore.”

Others believe that increased government action is essential.

“The government should invest in wildfire relief funds and support local communities by providing shelters for people who’ve lost their homes,” Kolah said.

To assist the victims of the wildfires, organizations such as the Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Community Foundation and GoFundMe are accepting donations. These contributions provide immediate relief, including food, shelter, and medical care, for those affected in communities like Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Riverside. Individuals can also volunteer with local relief efforts or organize fundraisers in their own communities to provide additional support.