Southwest in 2025: Fires, Politics, and More

Devastating Fires

The Southwest faced devastating fires in 2025, leaving a trail of destruction.

• Palisades Fire
• Started: January 7
• Burned: 23,448 acres

• Destroyed: 6,833 structures

• Eaton Fire
• Area: Altadena/Pasadena
• Destroyed: 9,418 structures
• Fatalities: 17 people

The fires sparked a heated debate about city management and funding, leading to the demotion of Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristen Crowley, who later filed a legal claim against the city. Southern California Edison faced lawsuits for allegedly starting the Eaton Fire due to faulty equipment.

Political Turmoil

Riots erupted in downtown Los Angeles in June in response to the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. President Donald Trump deployed the California National Guard to protect federal buildings.

• ICE Raids
• Targeted: Marijuana fields
• Accusations: Mistreatment and detaining U.S. citizens
• Defense: Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that demonizing ICE led to increased assaults on agents.

Legal Battles and Shifts

• California
• Filed 51 lawsuits against the Trump administration
• Approved Proposition 50, redrawing congressional districts to gain five Democratic seats

• Faced a lawsuit accusing illegal racial gerrymandering

• Arizona
• State Senate and House agreed on a $17.6 billion budget, signed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs
• Faced the Dragon Bravo Fire, one of Arizona's largest blazes, striking the Grand Canyon National Park's Northern Rim

Nevada's Challenges

• Gambling Industry: Saw a decline
• Cyberattack: Left government websites non-functional for weeks
• Legislative Battles: All of Republican Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony's bills were killed
• Gubernatorial Race: Tight race with Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democratic challenger Aaron Ford tied at 41%

Significant Deaths and Political Moves

• Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Conservative leader killed in Utah; Tyler James Robinson, 22, jailed awaiting trial
• Political Announcements:
• Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced her reelection bid for 2026
• Trump endorsed two Republicans running for governor