A 2023 study, published in journal Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences revealed that 10 of the largest California wildfires have occurred in the last 20 years.
- Wildfires have become more intense in the past few years due to various reasons e.g. climate change.
Reasons for wildfires:
- Anthropogenic activities: Nearly 85% of all forest fires across the US are started by humans, either deliberately or accidentally, according to the US Forest Service.
- Dry winter: Since October, Southern California has received negligible rain.
- Santa Ana winds: These winds blow from October to January due to pressure difference between Great Basin i.e. area between Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada in USA (high pressure) and California’s coast (low pressure).
- As it comes down mountains, it compresses and heats up leading to drop in humidity making vegetation dry and prone to burning.
- Climate change: Rise in global temperatures over the years has led to warmer springs and summers.
- Such conditions cumulatively cause longer and more intense dry seasons, putting more moisture stress on vegetation.
Consequences of Wildfires:
- Toxic pollutants: Wildfire smoke is a mixture of hazardous air pollutants, such PM2.5, NO2, ozone, aromatic hydrocarbons, or lead which endangers human lives and health.
- Intensify climate change: By Releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases
- Economic: Destroy property, critical infrastructure and cultural heritage.
- Environmental: Result in loss of timber, biodiversity and have severe impacts on indigenous communities and tourism.
- Wildfire also affects soil Biome, organic matter and increases soil erosion.
