News : Climate change made deadly LA wildfires “more likely”, conclude leading scientists

Wildfires in Los Angeles, that have left one charity supporting more than 2,500 affected music industry workers, were made “more likely” by human-caused climate change – a group of leading climate scientists have reported.

A study, shared by World Weather Attribution, said that the hot, dry and windy conditions that drove fires in the Californian city were “35 per cent more likely due to warming caused primarily by the burning of oil, gas and coal.”

The fires, which began on January 7, have left 28 people dead, more than 12,000 structures destroyed and saw the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents.

Meanwhile, the number of music community members in the city being supported by MusiCares – the non-for-profit arm of The GRAMMYs – has more than doubled since the first week of the catastrophe.

The burning of fossil fuels such as oil and gas is heating the planet, with the result a changing climate – which is seeing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, drought and become more frequent and more intense.

World Weather Attirbution’s new study brought researchers together from countries including Brazil, The Netherlands, UK, the USA, Sweden and beyond to assess how climate change had propelled this month’s fires.

The analysis said climate change is currently extending “fire-prone” conditions in Los Angeles by about “23 extra days a year” at the current global levels of heating. They concluded the threat of “fire season” is becoming “longer and more dangerous”.

The report also noted Los Angeles’ water infrastructure was unable to “keep up with the scale and extreme needs” of the emergency. City officials spoke early in the disaster about how the scale of the fires had put significant stress on emergency services’ ability to respond.

Authors of the study also had a stark warning for residents of LA – including its vibrant music community. LA is famous for its music heritage. Not only is it home to some of the world’s best known music venues and musicians, but also has a longstanding, thriving local music economy – from music shops to community music centres.

Park Williams, professor of Geography at the University of California and one of the report’s contributors, said: “Communities can’t build back the same because it will only be a matter of years before these burned areas are vegetated again and a high potential for fast-moving fire returns to these landscapes.”

Co-lead of the World Weather Attribution network, Dr Friederike Otto, added: “From violent hurricanes in the east, to nightmarish wildfires in the west, Americans are experiencing the devastating consequences of fossil fuel warming.

“In 2025, the choices facing world leaders remain the same – to drill and continue to burn oil, gas and coal and experience ever more dangerous weather, or transition to renewable energy for a safer and fairer world.”

Earlier in January, MusiCares (a charity division of The GRAMMYs and The Recording Academy) moved quickly to launch the Los Angeles Fire Relief Fund in order to specifically support members of the music community who had been affected by the fires. A spokesperson for the organisation told NME how many of them had lost homes, workplaces and irreplaceable possessions.

In a fresh update sent to NME, MusiCares confirmed they’re now supporting 2,500 people.

“MusiCares remains committed to being a safety net for the music community,” said Theresa Wolters, Vice President of Health and Human Services. “Over 2,500 music professionals have already reached out for help and that number grows daily.

“We know the journey ahead will be long. Our role doesn’t end with immediate aid. As these individuals begin to return to what remains of their homes – or face the reality of having no home to return to – MusiCares will be here to help rebuild.”

Wolters also pointed towards what is a significant week in the Los Angeles and global music calendar. Thursday January 30 will see two FireAid concerts in the city, and feature a raft of big name performers, followed shortly after by The GRAMMYs on Sunday 2 February.

“The focus of the weekend will be on the collective resilience of the Los Angeles area community,” noted Wolters. “MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world, and that’s why we’re here – to ensure no one is left behind in times of need.”

The FireAid show at LA’s Intuit Dome will feature Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo and Stevie Wonder. Meanwhile, acts including Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anderson .Paak, No Doubt and Stevie Nicks have lined-up to perform at a sister FireAid concert held at Kia Forum.

Both concerts will be streamed globally, via platforms including Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime, in an attempt to raise funds for the victims of the fires.

A statement from organisers said proceeds from the gigs will be “distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.”

Those special concerts take place 72 hours before this year’s GRAMMYs held at the city’s Crypto.com arena.

Hosted by Trevor Noah, the annual ceremony will feature performances from Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Benson Boone, Raye, Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, Billie Eilish, Shakira, Chris Martin, Stevie Wonder, St Vincent and many more.

Heading into the awards, Beyoncé has the most nominations with 11 – including for top prizes including best album, best country album, and song of the year for ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’. Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Post Malone and Charli xcx could also win big, as they’re each nominated in seven categories.

Meanwhile, Blink-182 have also announced a charity gig with Alkaline Trio. The show will take place at the famous Los Angeles concert hall on Thursday February 13 with 100 per cent of the ticket proceeds from the event – which is produced by Live Nation who previously pledged $1million (£813,355) to help the music community affected by the LA wildfires – donated to the Pasadena Humane Society, California Fire Department, LAFD Foundation, and ARC Firefighter Fund.

For more information on MusiCares and what its doing to support music industry professionals during this time, visit: www.musicares.org/get-help