While this increase may seem small, its impact is significant.įirst, spring runoff is occurring earlier in the year. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, average temperatures in the United States have increased by two degrees since 1970. Rising temperatures and climate change are responsible for increased wildfire risks across the state of California. While autumn rain typically takes place well before these winds arrive in California, over the years, there has been an increasing delay in the wet season. Additionally, these winds can carry embers for extraordinary distances.
Santa Ana winds are an infamous factor for wildfires in California due to the fanning effects that they have on fire. In some cases, these winds can reach hurricane strength, with winds up to 74 miles per hour and gusts up to 85 miles per hour. Santa Ana winds typically have a speed of 40 miles per hour. Here’s what you need to know: Santa Ana winds. However, humans also play a role in the risk factors that contribute to California fire season. The state’s unique climate is the main reason why the fire season is inevitable. Northern California, wildfires tend to spread in the same ways across the state. Northern and Southern California are most susceptible to wildfires during these months.Īlthough the risk factors may differ in Southern California vs. These fires took place as far apart as Napa Valley to San Diego. Hot and dry summer temperatures followed by little to no rain can contribute to dried vegetation, which causes more destructive fires in September and October.Īccording to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, of the 20 most destructive wildfires in California history, 12 of them took place in September and October. Additionally, while more fires may take place in July, these fires typically result in less damage overall when considering acres burned. The autumn months are most susceptible to wildfire due to the dry, fierce winds that blow across the state. Contrary to popular belief, however, September and October are the most vulnerable months for wildfires, with peak fire season running from July-October. Lightning-sparked wildfires over the past two years have killed up to a fifth of the estimated 75,000 large sequoias, which are the biggest trees by volume.Many people mistakenly believe that peak fire season takes place during the hot summer. The giant sequoias, native in only about 70 groves spread along the western slope of California’s Sierra Nevada range, were once considered impervious to flames but have become increasingly vulnerable as wildfires fueled by a buildup of undergrowth from a century of fire suppression and drought exacerbated by climate change have become more intense and destructive. Given the relatively small size of the fire and minimal winds, smoke impacts were not expected to stretch far beyond the park, he said. Though firefighters were facing hot and dry conditions, they didn't have to contend with intense winds on Saturday, said Jeffrey Barlow, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford. About 600 to 700 people who were staying at the Wawona campground in tents, cabins and an historic hotel were ordered to leave. The bulldozers would primarily be used to put in fire lines to protect Wawona, she said. That included air drops of fire retardant as well as the planned use of bulldozers to create fire lines, a tactic that's rarely used in a wilderness setting like Yosemite, Phillipe said. The fire was proving difficult to contain, with firefighters throwing “every tactic imaginable" at it, said Nancy Phillipe, a Yosemite fire information spokesperson.
0 kommentar(er)
