Hello from CNN, I'm Joe Begg, with the five things you need to know for Wednesday,

January 15th.

Scientists say that the LA wildfires were likely made worse because of planet warming pollution.

According to rapid research from the University of California, climate change could be blamed

for about a quarter of the available

fuel for the fires. That's because of massive swings from dry to wet to dry conditions,

with rain spurring the growth of more shrubs and grasses that are then dried out.

And as the fires continue to burn, FEMA has so far received more than 40,000 applications

for help.

We provide over $8 million, but there's a lot of work yet to do.

More than 12,000 homes, businesses, and other structures may have been damaged in the fires.

But there have also been some glimmers of hope, like this firefighter who found his wedding

ring in the ashes of what was his home.

What's that?

That's it?

That's it?

Oh my God.

Oh my God.

Jim, what's your wife going to say?

She didn't know.

You didn't tell her.

You didn't tell her you lost it.

...