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Wildfires on the rise -

The number of people who are vulnerable to wildfires has doubled in the last two decades. Near Los Angeles, recent wildfires have forced mass evacuations, and these fast-moving disasters are posing an ever-growing threat to both people and infrastructures.

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Drought’s grip on California -

Los Angeles is experiencing its driest winter after the city missed its typical January rains. These arid conditions leave vegetation dry and flammable, creating a tinderbox ready to ignite when combined with natural or human-caused sparks and warm seasonal winds.

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Santa Ana winds -

The region’s seasonal Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching 100 mph (160 km/h), amplify wildfire risks. These hot, dry winds not only spread embers far but also create formidable challenges for firefighters trying to control or contain the raging infernos.

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The speed of wildfire spread -

Wildfires can travel up to 14 miles (22.5 km) per hour—outpacing human runners. This astonishing speed highlights the deadly potential that wildfires pose, as well as the urgency needed for evacuation and preparation during such disasters.

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A growing toll -

In the past two decades, wildfires in the United States have destroyed an average of seven million acres annually, doubling damage from the 1990s. On the other hand, Africa accounts for the highest share of burned area in the world, typically 6% to 8% annually, which is up to 926,000 sq. miles (2.4 million sq. km).

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The Sahel region -

Most of the African continent’s wildfires occur in the Sahel region, which is the semi-arid transition zone between the Sahara Desert and savannas, spanning 3,670 miles (5,900 km) from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea in the east.

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Climate change -

Hotter and drier conditions driven by climate change increase wildfire frequency and size. Rising temperatures pull moisture from soil and vegetation, which creates a vicious cycle that fuels larger, more destructive, and longer-lasting wildfires around the world.

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Population expands fire risks -

As the global population grows (especially in the US), more people are living in rural or wilderness areas. This places homes and communities directly in the paths of wildfires, thus increasing both the human and financial costs of these devastating natural disasters.

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Human activity -

Human actions (including campfires, discarded cigarettes, and arson) cause 85–90% of wildfires. Although natural causes like lightning also spark fires, preventing human-caused incidents could significantly reduce the number of wildfires and their destructive potential.

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The fire triangle -

Every wildfire needs three elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Known as the fire triangle, these components drive fire growth. Understanding and managing these factors is critical for effective wildfire prevention.

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1. Fuel -

The more fuel available (like dry vegetation, trees, or even homes), the more intense a wildfire becomes. Regions like California or Africa’s Sahel, with vast areas of flammable materials, face higher risks of large-scale, uncontrollable fires threatening ecosystems and communities.

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2. Oxygen -

Winds, such as California’s Santa Ana or hurricane winds in Hawaii, supply fires with the oxygen needed to grow. These strong winds can carry embers for long stretches, igniting new fires far beyond the original blaze.

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3. Heat -

Wildfires often begin when heat, from sources like lightning or a cigarette, reaches fuel and causes combustion. This ignition process is critical to starting a fire, and it also highlights the dangers of careless actions or extreme weather conditions.

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Drop in humidity -

During the night, decreases in humidity can dry out vegetation, which creates ideal conditions for fire growth. This combination of drier fuels and residual heat can cause the fire to expand rapidly, overwhelming nearby communities and firefighting efforts.

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Western states -

Western US states, including California, Montana, and Oregon, experience the worst wildfires in the United States. Frequent droughts, high temperatures, and lightning storms create prime conditions, making this region a hot spot for large and devastating wildfires.

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Breaking the fire triangle -

To combat wildfires globally, firefighters deprive them of one or more of the fire triangle essentials. Strategies include water sprays (which are oftentimes mixed with soap), clearing vegetation, and using fire retardants with the aim of disrupting the fire’s ability to sustain itself.

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Fighting fire with fire -

Firefighters sometimes use controlled burns to stop wildfires. These backfires remove flammable vegetation, creating gaps in foliage known as firebreaks to prevent the spread of larger, uncontrolled blazes.

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Limited visibility -

Nighttime conditions make firefighting operations challenging due to reduced visibility and limited aerial support. With slower response times and reduced surveillance, fires can grow unchecked and intensify before teams can effectively intervene.

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Worsening fire risks -

Global warming has heightened wildfire risks. Persistent heat and decreased rainfall dry out vegetation, while rising temperatures extend fire seasons. These shifts mean wildfires are now a year-round hazard instead of a seasonal threat.

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Natural role of wildfires -

Wildfires can benefit ecosystems by burning dead material and returning nutrients to the soil. Fires also thin forests, allowing sunlight to reach the ground, which promotes new growth and helps some tree species release their seeds.

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Disinfecting the forest -

Wildfires also serve as a natural disinfectant by clearing ecosystems of disease-infected plants and harmful insects. Indeed, some plant species around the world rely heavily on fire to allow them to grow.

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Invasive species -

Invasive grasses, such as those found in Hawaii, have worsened wildfire conditions. These flammable plants now cover large areas and contribute to larger fires. Hawaii’s burned area has increased by 400% over the past century due to these grasses.

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The importance of early evacuation -

When wildfires approach, leaving early is critical. Evacuation saves lives by ensuring people are far from danger before fires spread. Delays can be deadly, as fires can overtake even vehicles on narrow or crowded roads.

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Protecting homes from embers -

Embers pose a major threat to homes during wildfires. Installing rooftop sprinklers, closing windows, and wetting roofs can help reduce risks, as embers can ignite homes even if flames never directly reach the property.

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Wildfire masks and breathing tips -

Taking air quality precautions is also extremely important. An N95 mask helps reduce smoke inhalation during wildfires, but if unavailable, breathing through a wet cloth can also protect lungs from harmful particles.

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Post-fire hazards to avoid -

After a wildfire, avoid returning until authorities confirm it is safe. Burned areas often have unseen dangers, including unstable structures, toxic smoke, and hot spots that can reignite. Caution is key to post-fire safety.

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Flood risks after wildfires -

With vegetation burned away, areas affected by wildfires face increased flood risks. Loose soil and lack of plant cover allow water to flow freely, threatening nearby communities with mudslides or flash floods during rains. It is imperative to remain vigilant even after the danger seems to have passed.

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Wildfire education saves lives -

Teaching communities (and children from a young age) about wildfire risks and responses can save lives. Public education campaigns help people prepare, understand evacuation protocols, and take steps to mitigate property risks.

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Addressing root causes -

To truly combat worsening wildfires, addressing root causes like climate change and poor land management is critical. Policies that prioritize renewable energy, fire-safe urban planning, and ecosystem preservation are key to long-term wildfire prevention.

Sources: (National Geographic) (European Space Agency) (NASA Earth Observatory) (Global Wildfire Information System) (Our World in Data)

See also: The fraught and frightening world of the firefighter

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