Multiple wildfires swept through Southern California on Wednesday due to strong Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation, creating ideal conditions for destructive blazes. One fire burned nearly 3,000 acres in Pacific Palisades west of Los Angeles, while another ignited in Eaton Canyon above Altadena in the San Gabriel Mountains. A smaller fire broke out in Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley, scorching around 500 acres. The causes of these fires are currently being investigated by Cal Fire, with extreme fire conditions predicted by the National Weather Service before the fires began.
The Santa Ana winds, which blow dry air from inland areas towards the coast, are a critical factor in fueling these fires. These winds dry out vegetation on mountain ridges and can carry embers over long distances, facilitating the rapid spread of fires in dense, flammable vegetation. The steep slopes, canyons, and valleys in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains contribute to the dangerous fire conditions by accelerating the spread of flames uphill and acting as wind funnels.
Development in these mountainous regions has increased the risk of wildfires, as communities encroach upon natural habitats, creating wildland-urban interfaces. These interfaces, where human populations meet wilderness, are vulnerable to fire outbreaks that can ignite homes and infrastructure, exacerbating the spread of wildfires. Despite the natural barriers in some coastal areas that may slow the fire’s progress, the urbanization of these regions has intensified the fire risk.
Los Angeles County neighborhoods with reduced vegetation and structures made of fire-resistant materials are likely to have better protection from wildfires compared to some communities located near natural areas. Contributing: Phaedra Trethan and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY. This article was first published on USA TODAY: 3 reasons California’s wildfires escalated quickly to a dangerous level in LA.
