Southern California Experiences Most Devastating Winter Fires in Over Four Decades
Southern California is experiencing its most devastating winter fires in more than four decades. Fires don’t usually blaze at this time of year, but specific ingredients have come together to defy the calendar in a fast and deadly manner.
The Perfect Storm
Start with supersized Santa Ana winds whipping flames and embers at 100 mph — much faster than normal — and cross that with the return of extreme drought. Add on weather whiplash that grew tons of plants in downpours then record high temperatures that dried them out to make easy-to-burn fuel. Then there’s a plunging and unusual jet stream, and lots of power lines flapping in those powerful gusts.
Speed is the Killer
“Tiny, mighty and fast” fires have blazed through America’s west in the last couple of decades as the world warms, said University of Colorado fire scientist Jennifer Balch. She published a study in the journal Science last October that looked at 60,000 fires since 2001 and found that the fastest-growing ones have more than doubled in frequency since 2001 and caused far more destruction that slower, larger blazes.
Conditions are Ideal
“It’s really just the perfect alignment of everything in the atmosphere to give you this pattern and strong wind,” said Tim Brown, director of the Western Regional Climate Center.
Dry Fuel Makes it Worse
After two soaking winters, when atmospheric rivers dumped huge amounts of water on the region causing lots of plants to grow, a fast onset of drought dried them out, providing perfect tinder, according to Swain and Abatzoglou.
It’s Also a People Problem
The human factor in this can’t be ignored, said Keeley.
The Calendar Seems Wrong
An analysis of 423 California wildfires that have grown to at least 15 square miles since 1984 shows only four of those burned during the winter. About two-thirds of those larger fires sparked in June, July or August.
Conclusion
The devastating winter fires in Southern California are a result of a combination of factors, including extreme drought, powerful Santa Ana winds, and dry fuel. The speed at which these fires spread is a major concern, and experts say that the warming climate is making it easier for fires to burn fuels when conditions are just right. The human factor also plays a role, with population growth and power lines being potential ignition sources.
FAQs
Q: What is causing the devastating winter fires in Southern California?
A: A combination of factors, including extreme drought, powerful Santa Ana winds, and dry fuel.
Q: How fast are these fires spreading?
A: The fires are spreading at an alarming rate, with some spreading over 100 acres in just a few hours.
Q: Is there a link between climate change and these fires?
A: Yes, experts say that the warming climate is making it easier for fires to burn fuels when conditions are just right.
Q: What is the human factor in these fires?
A: Population growth and power lines are potential ignition sources, and the human factor cannot be ignored.
Q: How often do winter fires occur in California?
A: Winter fires are rare in California, with only four of the 423 larger fires since 1984 burning during the winter months.
