I grew up in LA and experienced countless fires over the decades and the disappearance of the working class. The wealthy tore down the bungalows and charm to build tacky boxes with large pools, yet LA managed to preserve pockets of diversity and culture.

Capitalism fuelled unaffordable, profitable properties and climate change, exacerbating a homelessness crisis. Arson hasn't been determined as the cause, and the sheltered calling the police or arresting the homeless who light fires to keep warm are in denial.

We have had plenty of arsonists, but the 1.5 rise in temperature, 100mph Santa Ana winds, and abnormally dry conditions have never been so flammable that an arsonist could set the city on fire. Arsonist or not, capitalism-induced climate change played its part.

We don't want to admit that humanity has no control over the planet or the unpredictable predicament of a warmer climate because it's terrifying. So, we insist arson caused the fires to avoid acknowledging the environment is uncontrollable, weather patterns have changed, and capitalism is responsible.