LA Fires Burn Over 40,000 Acres
Photo Credit: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
Multiple wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County have left several people dead and burned down thousands of structures.
How did the fires start? While the sources of the fires remain under investigation, the conditions in California were perfect for a fire. A long, hot summer had completely dried out the desert brush, and without rain for the better part of a month, the whole area was practically kindling for the fires. Steady Santa Ana winds also fed the fires. The only fire with an alleged source is the Eaton fire, as video evidence of an electrical line shorting was released on Jan. 26.
How many individual fires are there currently? There are three active fires currently. There is the Hughes fire near Castaic Lake in northern LA, the Eaton fire in north Pasadena, and the largest and first fire to break out, the Palisades fire which erupted east of Malibu.
How are the Santa Ana Winds affecting the fires? The Santa Ana winds' low humidity levels are key in how they fuel the fire. The Santa Ana winds are already dry as they originate in the Great Basin, which has desert-like conditions. The winds come down off the mountains and strip the brush of all moisture, allowing the plants to catch fire easier. The winds are also very high velocity, reaching gusts of up to 100mph.
How are local authorities combating the flames? The LA fire department is working in tandem with the California Army National Guard and Air National Guard to combat the wildfires. However, the fires aren't the only problem. Amidst all the chaos of the fires, thieves and arsonists are seizing the opportunity and raiding and burning down houses. At least 8 people have been convicted of arson and many others are under inspection. To combat the fires, local firefighters have been doing their best to contain the fires. They do this by clearing the brush in the immediate area near the fire to remove any fuel for the fire, and by digging wide trenches to ‘catch’ the fire and slow its growth.
How many people have had to evacuate their homes? More than 70000 people have had to evacuate their homes because of the LA wildfires.