Smoke and Shadows: Analyzing the Relationship Between Wildfires and Crime

• In Event: Block Parties, Golf, Tay Tay and Wild Fires: Which Events Influence Neighborhood Crime?

Abstract

A substantial body of research has examined how natural disasters can shape crime trends, but research about how wildfires shapes crime is scarce. The current study engages with this by examining how the spatial and temporal patterns of crime in Los Angeles were influenced by wildfires that occurred between 2015 and 2025. This period was selected because nine high profile wildfires occurred, including the 2025 Palisade fire. To gauge the importance of each fire on crime patterns, we examine neighborhood crime patterns for the three month period before and after each fire. A further contribution of the current study is the assessment of crime-specific trends given research that found disasters can impact crime-specific trends differently. We conclude with a discussion of policy implications and suggestions for future research about disasters and crime.

Authors

• Rachel LaPointe, The University of Alabama

• Michael S. Barton, The University of Alabama

• Matthew Valasik, The University of Alabama