Wildfires worsen air quality crisis for LA’s unhoused population

Toxic smoke from wildfires in Los Angeles has forced mass evacuations, but unhoused residents remain exposed to dangerous air pollution with few resources to protect themselves.

Sam Levin and Maanvi Singh report for The Guardian.

In short:

• Unhoused people in Los Angeles, numbering over 52,000, are facing severe health risks from smoke as wildfires rage and winds intensify.
• Emergency shelters and vouchers have been made available, but advocates say resources are inadequate, and many unhoused individuals remain in evacuation zones.
• Street medicine teams are distributing respirators and medical support, while mutual aid groups provide essentials like masks, food and sandbags for makeshift shelters.

Key quote:

“People have said it feels like you’re breathing in lead and you can see what you’re breathing in.”

— Carla Orendorff, advocate supporting the unhoused community

Why this matters:

Wildfire smoke can cause or worsen respiratory conditions, particularly for those without proper shelter or medical care. The crisis highlights the intersection of housing insecurity and climate-driven disasters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support during emergencies.