Seeing reports of vast areas, thousands of acres, consumed by fire each year is common in different parts of the world, and California is one of those places. Every year, the news is filled with updates about areas impacted by flames and smoke, but this time, it seems something has changed. Let’s dive in to understand how and why wildfires occur in our region and what has shifted.
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What are wildfires?
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly across vegetation and wild land areas. They are fueled by dry plants, trees, and grass, and are often triggered by natural causes like lightning or human activities such as campfires or discarded cigarettes. These fires can occur in forests, grasslands, and even urban areas near wilderness zones.
Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, helping to clear dead vegetation and promote new growth. However, when they occur too frequently or with high intensity, they can cause severe damage to wildlife habitats, human communities, and air quality. Climate change, with its rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, has significantly increased the frequency and severity of wildfires globally.
How do wildfires start?
Wildfires are considered a vital part of the forest life cycle. According to the Western Fire Chief Association, small fires that clear overgrown areas of heavy brush create space for a variety of new plants to grow. These plants provide valuable food and habitat for many wildlife species, encouraging greater biodiversity.
Wildfires can occur naturally due to lightning, volcanic eruptions, sparks from rockfalls, or even spontaneous combustion. Spontaneous combustion, also known as spontaneous ignition, happens without an external heat source.
This phenomenon occurs when combustible materials self-heat to a temperature high enough to ignite due to chemical, biological, or physical processes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that around 14,070 fires are caused by spontaneous combustion annually, as reported by the National Park Service.
However, 90% of wildfires are caused by human activity, whether accidental or intentional, according to the Western Fire Chief Association. Common causes include discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, burning debris, and equipment malfunctions.
What causes so many wildfires in California?
Wildfires in California are caused by a combination of natural and human factors. Natural causes include lightning strikes and high winds, which can quickly ignite and spread fires. The state’s hot, dry climate, prolonged droughts, and flammable vegetation, such as dry grass and shrubs, create ideal conditions for wildfires to start and intensify.
Human activities are a significant contributor, with sparks from power lines, campfires, cigarettes, and even arson being common causes. Urban development near wild land areas increases the risk, as does climate change, which exacerbates drought and creates longer fire seasons. Together, these factors make California particularly vulnerable to devastating wildfires.
How did the LA fires started?
A bushfire ignited in Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood in Los Angeles County east of Malibu, on Tuesday morning, according to official sources cited by news outlets such as CBS and Sky News.
By Wednesday, January 8 in the afternoon, the fire had expanded to over 15,000 acres, as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Eaton fire started Tuesday night near a canyon in the vast national forest lands north of downtown LA and quickly spread to more than 10,000 acres by Wednesday, according to the US Forest Service. As of now, the fire covers at least 10,600 acres.
The Hurst fire also began Tuesday night in Sylmar, a suburban neighborhood north of San Fernando, following a brush fire. It rapidly grew to 500 acres and currently spans 855 acres.
The Lidia fire broke out near the community of Acton, located between the Sierra Pelona and San Gabriel mountains. At present, it has affected at least 348 acres.
The Sunset fire ignited in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon shortly before 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, prompting mandatory evacuations.
Although there is certainty about when the different fire outbreaks began, the precise causes are still unclear.
Why are we experiencing fires in January?
While fire season in Southern California is traditionally believed to last from May to October, recent studies indicate that rising temperatures and declining precipitation are extending the fire season. According to Science News magazine, an independent non-profit news outlet, this trend is expected to continue in the future. In certain areas of the state, the fire season is already considered a year-round occurrence.
Why are the fires in L.A. different from previous years?
Although wildfires in the state are nothing new, as we’ve clarified, the LA fire is the culmination of a perfect storm where two extreme phenomena have collided to unleash chaos. First, the region has not had any substantial rain since last spring. In the summer and fall, it has only received a third of the usual rainfall.
The drought that struck the region during the warmer months was the perfect breeding ground to collide with the Santa Ana Winds, which, this time, have reached extreme and anomalous speeds for the phenomenon. Winds that have only fueled the fire’s ferocity.
The role of climate change in wildfires
According to California Air Resources Board, climate change plays a significant role in exacerbating wildfires in California. Rising global temperatures have led to prolonged droughts and hotter summers, creating drier vegetation that serves as fuel for fires. Additionally, reduced snowpack and earlier snowmelt mean less moisture is available in forests, increasing their vulnerability to ignition.
These changing conditions have also extended California’s fire season, with wildfires now occurring nearly year-round. Climate change contributes to stronger winds and more frequent heatwaves, which can intensify the speed and spread of fires. Combined, these factors make wildfires more frequent, intense, and destructive in the state.
Daniel Swain, a climatologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained to NASA’s Earth Observatory during the last fires on 2021, that one of the most direct ways climate change is affecting California fires is by raising temperatures. “Heat essentially turns the atmosphere into a giant sponge that draws moisture from plants, making it possible for fires to burn hotter and longer,” he said.
While windy conditions are common at this time of year, the lack of rain has intensified the fire risk. Southern California has seen minimal rainfall since October, and climate scientist Daniel Swain notes that the region has experienced the driest start to winter on record. For instance, Los Angeles airport recorded just 0.03 inches (0.08 centimeters) of rain since October 1, the beginning of the water year in the state, marking the driest start to the water year since records began in 1944, according to the National Weather Service.
How to prevent wildfires?
Although wildfires are tragic events that affect entire communities, they can fortunately be prevented. Considering that 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, here are some steps you can take to help prevent them, from the U.S. Department of the Interior
- Never throw cigarette butts
Don’t discard cigarette butts in the forest, even if the area isn’t dry. They can still smolder and pollute the soil. Always use designated bins or a sealed container with water. - Check weather and drought conditions
Avoid fire-related activities during hot, dry, and windy weather. If conditions are not ideal, opt for non-flammable alternatives. - Build your campfire in an open area, away from flammables
Choose a flat, open spot away from logs and brush. Clear the area of grass and leaves, and keep the fire contained within this cleared space. - Extinguish your campfire until it’s cold
Pour at least one bucket of water over the fire and stir the ashes. Add another bucket of water and stir again until the fire is completely out. - Keep vehicles off dry grass
Avoid driving or parking on dry grass, as exhaust temperatures can exceed 1,000°F, causing fires. - Maintain your equipment and vehicle
Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained to avoid sparks. Carry a shovel, bucket, and fire extinguisher, and use a spark arrester for off-highway vehicles. - Check your tires, bearings, and axles on your trailer
Inspect your trailer’s tires, bearings, and axles regularly. Ensure safety chains are properly secured and not dragging on the ground. - Keep sparks away from dry vegetation
Never operate equipment that produces sparks near dry vegetation. Always clear the area around your workspace, especially when it’s windy and dry. - Check conditions and regulations before using fireworks
Fireworks cause thousands of fires every year. Always check local regulations before using them, and consider safer alternatives. - Cautiously burn debris and never when it’s windy or restricted
If burning debris, keep water nearby and never burn when it’s windy or during restrictions.