Extreme conditions helped drive the fast-moving fires that destroyed thousands of homes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

As Los Angeles reels from the loss of lives and homes to the Easton and Palisades fires, scientists are asking why the events of this January have been so catastrophic.

Climate change was a major factor behind the hot, dry weather that gave rise to the devastating LA fires, a scientific study has confirmed. It made those weather conditions about 35% more likely, according to World Weather Attribution - globally recognised for their studies linking extreme weather to climate change.

Climate change caused by human activity increases the risk of devastating fires, like the ones in Los Angeles, California,according to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network. The fires left at least 29 dead and thousands homeless.

Extreme weather conditions will be more common, according to the study, adding fresh urgency to a burgeoning group of climate adaptation startups.

The hot, dry, and windy conditions that drove the fires were about 35% more likely due to warming caused primarily by the burning of oil, gas, and coal, said the new analysis by 32 climate scientists