Wildfires Rage Near Los Angeles

Why in News? 

Recently, wildfires broke out in three forests near Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles administration declared an emergency and President Biden has announced financial assistance to help with recovery efforts.

Key Headings of Wildfires in California

• The Palisades fire was first reported and quickly escalated. This fire affected a total of 200 acres, forcing the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents.
• The Eaton fire covered 1,000 acres.
• The Hurst fire ignited near San Fernando, rapidly spreading to 850 acres. 
• The Woodley fire broke out in Woodley Park, it has since been contained by the LA Fire Department.
• The Olivas fire started in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, burning across 11 acres of land. 
• The Lidia fire grew to cover nearly 350 acres. It was 40% contained.
• The Sunset fire ignited in the Hollywood Hills, a residential area with views of the historic Hollywood district. As of now, the fire covers approximately 50 acres and remains 0% contained.
• Los Angeles issues a citywide emergency, with over 1 crore residents affected.
• California receives FEMA assistance for fire management.
• Red flag warnings issued from Central California to the Mexico border.
• Experts predict a significant rise in wildfires globally, with 50% more fires by 2100.

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg525q2ggl4o.amp

Geographical Reasons Behind the Wildfire in California 

Los Angeles is located in Southern California, between the Pacific Ocean and the mountainous regions. The city’s geographical position in a semi-arid climate zone, combined with its proximity to large swaths of wildland, makes it vulnerable to wildfires. 

• Hills and Mountains: The Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains form the backdrop to Los Angeles and are covered with dry vegetation. These areas are challenging for firefighters to access, which allows fires to spread rapidly.
• Wildland-Urban Interface: Many neighborhoods in Los Angeles are located at the edges of wildlands, where forested areas meet urban sprawl. These wildland-urban interfaces are particularly vulnerable to wildfires because homes and infrastructure are surrounded by highly flammable vegetation.
• Wildfire Seasons: California experiences two distinct wildfire seasons. The first occurs from June to September, characterized by hot and dry conditions, leading to fires in inland and higher elevation forests. The second season spans October to April, when Santa Ana winds intensify fire activity, particularly near urban areas. Fires during this period are three times faster than those in the summer months 
• Climate and Weather: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The dry season from spring to fall, coupled with high temperatures, leads to dry vegetation and an increased risk of fire.

source: https://kids.britannica.com/kids/assembly/view/170636

Main Reasons for Wildfires in Los Angeles’ Forests

• Santa Ana winds: The Santa Ana winds are one of the most critical factors behind the frequent spread of wildfires in Los Angeles. These winds are hot, dry, and can reach speeds of up to 80-100 mph. They originate from the Great Basin desert and travel westward, drying out vegetation and increasing the chances of fire ignition.
• Dry Vegetation: Los Angeles often experiences long periods of drought, especially during the summer and fall months. Prolonged dry spells dry out vegetation, turning plants, grasses, and trees into fuel for wildfires. 
• Climate Change: Global warming has contributed to rising temperatures in Southern California, making wildfires more frequent and intense. Longer and more intense heat waves, combined with the increasing unpredictability of rainfall, create conditions where vegetation dries out faster and becomes more flammable. 
• Flammable Vegetation: Los Angeles is home to a variety of brushes, grasslands, and forests. Non-native plant species like cheatgrass and Mediterranean grasses have spread across California’s forests. These plants tend to dry out faster than native species, providing more fuel for wildfires. 
• Human Activity: Many wildfires in Los Angeles are started by human activity, either accidentally or intentionally. Common causes include campfires, discarded cigarettes, power lines, and arson.
• Topography: The rugged terrain of the mountains and hills surrounding Los Angeles makes it difficult to control fires once they break out. Steep slopes allow fires to move quickly uphill, where they can spread rapidly.

Future Impact of Wildfires in Los Angeles 

• Longer Fire Seasons: Fire seasons in California and other wildfire-prone regions are predicted to last longer. The early onset of dry conditions in the spring and delayed rainfall in the fall are expected to create longer periods of vulnerability. Extreme heat waves will become more frequent, raising the combustibility of forests, grasslands, and other vegetation. 
• Extreme Weather: Climate change is driving extreme weather patterns, including stronger winds, droughts, and heavy rains followed by dry spells. These volatile weather patterns exacerbate fire risks, as high winds, like the Santa Ana winds in California. 
• Shifting Ecosystems: Rising temperatures will also alter ecosystems, with many plant species becoming more susceptible to fires. Some areas that previously did not experience frequent fires may become more vulnerable as non-native species.
• Impacts on Air Quality: Climate change will likely result in more wildfire smoke events, affecting regions far from the fire itself. Populations in areas that previously were not exposed to these conditions will face new health threats as wildfire smoke becomes a global health concern.

Immediate Measures to Mitigate Wildfire Risks 

• Avoid Planting Flammable Tree Species: To reduce the risk of wildfires, it is crucial to avoid planting tree species that are highly flammable. Choosing fire-resistant vegetation can help minimize fire spread in vulnerable areas.
• Regulate Human Development Activities: Human activities such as urban sprawl, deforestation, and land misuse contribute significantly to wildfire risks. Strict regulations on development near fire-prone areas can help prevent fires from reaching residential zones.
• Policy and Planning: Governments should implement robust fire management policies, including better land-use planning and infrastructure development. This should also involve creating firebreaks and increasing wildfire awareness.

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