The 2024 wildfire season in California has officially kicked off with more than two dozen fires igniting across the state in the past week. Experts are predicting an extreme fire season ahead due to dry and windy weather conditions.
Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at U.C.L.A., stated in an online briefing that this year is expected to see a significant increase in fire activity compared to the last two years. After two rainy winters, there is an abundance of grass and vegetation available to fuel the fires. Although the land is not overly dry at the moment, it is likely to become dangerously parched in the coming months, creating ideal conditions for uncontrollable wildfires.
The mild fire seasons of 2022 and 2023 in California were a welcome relief, with significantly fewer acres burned and fewer structures damaged compared to previous years. However, experts warn that this year could see a return to the extreme fire conditions that plagued the state in the past.
In addition to the wildfires in California, other parts of the West are also facing worrisome fire conditions. Two wildfires in southern New Mexico are burning out of control, scorching over 23,000 acres and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents from their homes.
California’s luck with mild fire seasons in recent years can be attributed to a wet winter followed by a cool summer. Last year, the remnants of Hurricane Hilary brought heavy rainfall to Southern California in August, effectively ending the fire season earlier than usual.
As we head into the peak of the fire season, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations. It is crucial for communities to have emergency plans in place and to follow evacuation orders promptly to ensure their safety during these challenging times.