Since Tuesday, January 7, the flames that ignited in Pacific Palisades continue to ravage LA County, with five additional outbreaks flaring up shortly after. These fires are, to varying degrees, considered “contained.” We see and hear this term everywhere, but what exactly is wildfire containment, and how does it work?
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What’s the current percentage of containment in LA wildfires?
Since the fire started burning in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, January 7, several other fire outbreaks have been recorded in the county. Many of them have already been extinguished, while others are still burning as firefighters progress, with varying speed, in containing the fire. According to official data, the wildfire containment percentages are as follows:
What does wildfire containment mean?
Fire containment, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, refers to the process of creating barriers to prevent a wildfire from spreading further. These barriers can include natural features like rivers or roads, as well as man-made measures such as firebreaks, trenches, or controlled burns.
The goal is to encircle the fire’s perimeter, limiting its ability to grow. Containment is measured as a percentage, indicating how much of the fire’s edge is under control. A fully contained fire means the risk of further spread has been significantly reduced, though it may still be burning within the controlled area.
How is the percentage of wildfire containment determined?
The percentage of fire containment is determined by assessing the extent to which firefighters have established control lines around a wildfire’s perimeter. These control lines can be natural features like rivers or man-made barriers such as firebreaks. The containment percentage reflects the proportion of the fire’s perimeter that has been secured to prevent further spread.
For example, if a wildfire is reported as 50% contained, it means that control lines have been established around half of the fire’s perimeter. It’s important to note that containment does not necessarily mean the fire is extinguished. It indicates that the fire is unlikely to spread beyond the established control lines under current conditions.
What is the difference between contained and controlled?
According to RedZone, a wildfire hazard identification software solution, a contained fire means firefighters have set up a perimeter around it, stopping it from spreading. While a controlled fire, means the fire is fully contained, no longer poses a risk of crossing the containment lines, and is mostly extinguished and under control.
What methods are used to contain a fire?
Controlling a wildfire involves creating barriers to prevent its spread and extinguishing the flames. Firefighters employ several strategies to achieve this:
- Firebreaks: These are areas where vegetation is removed or burned deliberately to stop the fire from spreading.
- Water and foam: Firefighters use water or foam to cool the fire and reduce the heat, which helps prevent it from growing.
- Fire Retardants: These chemicals slow the fire’s spread by reducing its ability to burn.
- Smothering: Depriving the fire of oxygen by covering it with materials like dirt or fire-resistant blankets.
- Controlled burns: Sometimes, controlled burns are set ahead of a fire to remove fuel, creating a barrier to stop the fire from advancing.
How long does it take to contain a wildfire?
The time it takes to contain a wildfire can vary widely depending on factors such as the fire’s size, the terrain, the weather conditions, and the resources available. On average, it may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fully contain a wildfire, according to an article published by UC Berkeley.
There are several factors that affect how long the containment and extinguishing process of a wildfire can take: from the availability of resources to the type of terrain and predominant vegetation. However, a key factor is the weather.
The presence of rain and humidity in the air is clearly a positive factor that speeds up the process. On the other hand, strong hot and dry winds (such as the Santa Ana winds) only make the containment of the fire more difficult.
When will the LA Wildfire finally end?
There is no way to predict with certainty when the city’s fires will cease. However, what we can be sure of is that it will largely depend on the weather. For firefighters to contain the fire, it is essential for the winds to stop, as they only fuel the flames. Currently, there is a red flag warning for strong winds, which will last at least until the end of the day.