The post that follows was written 4 years ago. That year, wildfires ravaged Australia and the western United States, especially California. On January 7th, 2025, at least 23 catastrophic fires broke out in Los Angeles County. These fires were intense due to low humidity. There were arid conditions. Powerful Santa Ana winds reached hurricane force, exceeding 80-100 miles per hour. Two fires, the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire in Altadena, have caused the most damage. The map shown here is an overview of the significant fires in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Climate change is the cause of the repressive heat and fires that unfortunately have become common place in the West. Climate change accelerated the conditions that created a heat dome over the Pacific NW.
Climate change is the reality for the cause of the mega-fires in the West. Yet, the President thinks the cause is the lack of raking leaves. Science denialism has led to a colossal debacle in this country.
I’ve wondered what is the main cause of wildfires raging in the West. Are the fires linked to climate change? What role do humans play in starting fires? Are there more fires this year than in the past? Why? Finally, the toll on human and other animal and plant life is immense.
