A catastrophic event that caused a magnitude of damage and destruction in North America has rocked local inhabitants to the core. The fires have been reported to have started in the Pacific Palisades area in Southern California around mid-morning on Tuesday.
Unsplash/Jen Theodore
The fires spread rapidly to many areas in Southern California and caused destruction. As of Friday, more than 9000 structures were reported to have burned to the ground, 10 deaths were accounted for, and over 170,000 individuals were under orders to evacuate. Here are the five main areas that were affected by the fires:
- Palisades
- Eaton
- Hurst
- Lidia
- Kenneth
As wildfire season has been noted to be around May, how has this tragic event occurred? Various environmental conditions led to these fires spreading so quickly, causing the magnitude of this devastation and loss.
With Santa Ana winds, an abnormally dry winter, and the prolonged dry conditions that Southern California is experiencing, these conditions are a match made in heaven for a wildfire to become uncontainable.
These dry conditions and high-speed winds mean that Southern California will more than likely experience more of these fast-spreading wildfires in the near future.
While climate change cannot wholly account for these extreme environmental conditions in this state, it has created a foundation for these events to occur and thrive. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has made a statement regarding how climate change has played a role:
“Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States.”
According to Cal Fire updates, these fires are still ongoing. Firefighters are restlessly and bravely trying to contain the wildfires and put an end to the hazardous havoc this disaster has caused.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
