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It has been a week since wildfires began in Southern California, and fire experts and arson investigators have yet to discover exactly how it broke out, noting that it may take weeks or months to arrive at a definite conclusion. Although media outlets, residents, and social media users, including celebrities, have shared their thoughts about the origin of the disaster, there is no confirmation from official sources. More than 40,000 acres have been affected by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, with a death toll of up to 25 people across these areas. What may have caused the fires: LA fires update LA Fire/Instagram CNN analyzed satellite images and dispatch recordings showing that a separate fire began on New Year’s Day, and although it spread to about 8 acres, local firefighters were able to contain it. According to Professor Luca Carmignani of San Diego State University, who has studied wildfires, the lit debris from the New Year’s celebratory fireworks may have reignited due to the winds. Luca took care to warn that his statement is merely a speculation and should not be taken as fact. On the other hand, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during Sunday’s news conference that there is no proof that the two fires are connected. Officials give LA fires update, admit to slow progress with investigations For those wondering if the fires are still burning in California, the state website continues to give updates about the incident, showing important details like how many acres have been razed, what structures have been affected, and the number of fatalities. LA Fire/Instagram Like the fleeing residents and others concerned, fire officials cannot figure out why the fires are still burning in California, although 95 percent of outbreaks are caused by people through acts like arson, a backyard barbecue, fireworks celebrations, or a downed power line. According to retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s arson investigator and profiler Ed Nordskog, figuring out the source of the wildfires is tedious, dirty, and not fun. The retired Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives fire investigator Mike Vergon— who also worked on the agency’s National Response Team in charge of large fires and explosions, echoed Ed’s sentiment, calling the investigations a monumental task. The Palisades fire containment team, including the ATF National Response, has begun assessing the area, which comes after Eaton as the second most destructive wildfire in Southern California history. LA Fire/Instagram Tim Jones of ATF is confident in the Palisades fire containment team and others, some of whom attended to New Orleans’ terror attack on New Year's Day and a cyber truck explosion outside of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. The Palisades fire containment team requests patience as fires continue to burn in California Judging by recent updates from the Palisades fire containment team and investigators, it is unrealistic to expect answers anytime soon. For example, the 2023 wildfires in Maui did not receive a definite report until a year later, and a worse case like that of Southern California may take even longer. Although a few arrests have been made, retired ATF fire investigator Dixon Robin says evidence left behind by arsonists will be damaged but useful for investigation. The Palisades fire containment is still at 17% per the latest updates, and there has been an official warning about stronger winds to surrounding residents. Being a highbrow part of Southern California, many famous people who live there have had to evacuate. LA Fire/Instagram The likes of Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks, Ricki Lake, Mandy Moore, couple Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Kate Beckinsale, and many more have had to bid their property a painful goodbye as the inferno razed them down. Fans and fellow celebrities have shown their support on and off social media through volunteer acts, donations, and calling for funding.