Death toll rises as wildfires ravage US West Coast
4 years, 3 months ago

Death toll rises as wildfires ravage US West Coast

Al Jazeera  

The National Weather Service issues a ‘red flag warning’ amid conditions that could stoke the blazes in some areas. The death toll from wildfires that have ravaged the United States’ West Coast has risen to 33 as the National Weather Service has issued a “red flag warning” amid high winds and dry conditions in Oregon and some California counties. Authorities said the conditions are expected to “contribute to a significant spread of new and existing fires”, amid days of blazes across the states of California, Oregon and Washington that have destroyed neighbourhoods and forest land, leaving barren and grey landscapes the size of New Jersey. At least 35 active fires were burning in the state, as drought conditions, extreme temperatures, and high winds created the “perfect firestorm” for the blazes to grow, Governor Kate Brown told CBS news on Sunday. “It’s maddening right now we have this cosmic challenge to our communities, the entire West Coast of the United States on fire, to have a president to deny that these are not just wildfires, these are climate fires,” Washington State Governor Jay Inslee told ABC’s “This Week” programme.

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History of this topic

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year
1 week, 4 days ago

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year

LA Times  

By this time of year, Southern California has usually recorded some measurable rainfall. If the rains don’t come and the winds do, he said, “that will keep us in high fire season.” Two recent stretches of dangerous Santa Ana winds played out exactly the way forecasters worried they would, fueling the flames of major fires across coastal Southern California. “Down …

Rare ‘particularly dangerous’ fire warning issued for Southern California
2 weeks, 1 day ago

Rare ‘particularly dangerous’ fire warning issued for Southern California

LA Times  

The Mountain fire in Ventura County ignited last month after a Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning was issued. With exceptional fire weather conditions forecast starting Monday night, the National Weather Service office issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning to last through Tuesday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The last time a Particularly Dangerous Situation red …

Red flag warnings set to take effect throughout Southern California, beginning Monday
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Red flag warnings set to take effect throughout Southern California, beginning Monday

LA Times  

Strong Santa Ana winds were blamed for a devastating wildfire in Camarillo in Ventura County last month. Red flag warnings will go into effect early Monday for large swaths of Southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego, due to strong Santa Ana winds, according to the National Weather Service. The strong dry winds combined with warm temperatures and low …

Dozens of fires still burn in US Northeast but California fire is under relative control
1 month, 1 week ago

Dozens of fires still burn in US Northeast but California fire is under relative control

Associated Press  

The Northeast kept a wary eye on dozens of fires that killed at least one person and continued to burn Tuesday amid bone-dry weather, while much larger and more destructive fires came under relative control in California. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of the state and parts of Connecticut, saying conditions were critical and …

Firefighters gain control over California wildfire, 100 structures destroyed
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Firefighters gain control over California wildfire, 100 structures destroyed

India Today  

Southern California firefighters gained ground Saturday on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures as gusty winds subsided with favourable weather conditions expected through the weekend. Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire held at around 32 square miles and was 21 per cent contained, authorities said. …

Firefighters advance on destructive blaze in California, aided by slower winds
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Firefighters advance on destructive blaze in California, aided by slower winds

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Southern California firefighters gained ground Saturday on a wildfire that has ravaged more than 100 structures as gusty winds subsided with favorable weather conditions expected through the weekend. Evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings for residents in several areas of Ventura County, where the Mountain Fire held at around 32 square miles and was 21% contained, authorities …

Favorable weather assists firefighters in battling the devastating Mountain fire
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Favorable weather assists firefighters in battling the devastating Mountain fire

LA Times  

Favorable weather conditions helped thousands of firefighters get the upper hand Saturday on the devastating Mountain fire that has scorched some 20,640 acres, destroyed more than 130 homes and damaged nearly 90 others — while upending the lives of Ventura County residents. The blaze started shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday morning in a remote area near Bradley and Balcom Canyon …

3,500 homes under threat as Ventura County fire burns through neighborhoods
1 month, 2 weeks ago

3,500 homes under threat as Ventura County fire burns through neighborhoods

LA Times  

Firefighters were struggling to contain a fast-moving Ventura County wildfire on Thursday that had destroyed numerous homes — and the dangerous winds fueling those flames were forecast to continue through Friday. Santa Ana winds helped propel several fires across the region, but the Mountain fire exploded Wednesday, sweeping into foothill communities around Camarillo and Moorpark. The National Weather Service issued …

Powerful winds and low humidity raise wildfire risk across California
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Powerful winds and low humidity raise wildfire risk across California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. With predicted gusts between 50 …

Thousands in Southern California told to evacuate as wind-fed wildfire spreads
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Thousands in Southern California told to evacuate as wind-fed wildfire spreads

NPR  

Thousands in Southern California told to evacuate as wind-fed wildfire spreads toggle caption Ethan Swope/FR171736 AP MOORPARK, Calif. — California was lashed by powerful winds Wednesday that fed a fast-moving wildfire, which destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands of residents to flee as forecasters warned of the potential for “extreme and life-threatening” blazes. Meanwhile to the south, Los Angeles …

Whipping winds expected to bring ‘extreme and life-threatening’ fire conditions to Los Angeles
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Whipping winds expected to bring ‘extreme and life-threatening’ fire conditions to Los Angeles

LA Times  

Because of unusually strong winds, the National Weather Service has issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation red flag warning for wide swaths of L.A. County and southwest California, stretching from late Tuesday through Thursday. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/kAksUScLxz — NWS Los Angeles November 5, 2024 As a result of the elevated fire risk, Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed between Mulholland Drive …

California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger
1 month, 4 weeks ago

California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger

LA Times  

San Bernardino County firefighters work to save a home in Wrightwood as they battle the Bridge Fire in September. A new paper in the journal Science puts that sentiment to the test, with startling findings: California fires spread almost four times faster in 2020 than they had in 2001. “People are pretty good at putting out all fires,” said Park …

Fires spark across state as California heads into dangerous weekend of gusty, dry winds
2 months ago

Fires spark across state as California heads into dangerous weekend of gusty, dry winds

LA Times  

Firefighters across the state were battling blazes Saturday in Oakland, Jurupa Valley, San Gabriel Canyon and Solano County amid a dangerous weekend of dry, gusty winds. According to a red-flag warning issued for Southern California, “if fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property.” In Northern and Central …

As weather conditions improve, firefighters make progress battling Southern California wildfires
3 months, 1 week ago

As weather conditions improve, firefighters make progress battling Southern California wildfires

LA Times  

Assistant Chief Shawn Cate, right, and his crew with the Mount Baldy Fire Department survey the damage to homes from the Bridge fire along Bear Canyon Road on Thursday. Cooling weather gave firefighters a boost Saturday in their battle against three large Southern California wildfires that have scorched more than 100,000 acres, displaced thousands of residents in mountain communities and …

Firefighters gaining control over destructive Southern California wildfires
3 months, 1 week ago

Firefighters gaining control over destructive Southern California wildfires

LA Times  

The Airport fire spared the city of Lake Elsinore in Riverside County but scorched nearby hills. “We’re not letting the weather deceive us,” said Kenichi Haskett, Los Angeles County Fire Department public information officer for the Bridge fire. “I know the weather is cooperating, but we’re still challenged with steep conditions.” On Friday, containment of the 52,801-acre Bridge fire increased …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:21 Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line …

Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes
3 months, 1 week ago

Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes

LA Times  

Firefighters battling wildfires burning in Southern California are stretched thin amid a nationwide shortage of firefighters, aircraft and contractors. On Wednesday, more than 400 personnel, seven helicopters and four large air tankers were assigned to the Bridge fire, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team. Chris Cline, division chief with the Oregon Department of …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-09-11 09:21 Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line …

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 1 week ago

Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California

China Daily  

Firefighters monitor the progression of the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest's mountains over Highland, California, US Sept 8, 2024. LOS ANGELES - Three fast-moving wildfires continued to burn in Southern California Tuesday as millions of residents in the region are still under an excessive heat warning. The largest one, dubbed the Line Fire, had scorched at least …

Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave

Hindustan Times  

Wildfires fueled by soaring temperatures in the western United States have scorched thousands of acres, forcing hundreds of families to flee, US officials said Monday. Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave A blaze burning out of a control near Los Angeles sparked mandatory evacuations as it tore through swathes of tinder-dry California countryside around popular tourist spots. "Dangerous heat …

Skies above Southern California wildfire looked like ‘a nuclear warhead had been set off’
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Skies above Southern California wildfire looked like ‘a nuclear warhead had been set off’

LA Times  

Firefighters from the Mill Creek hotshot crew monitor the Line fire burning over a ridge off Highway 38 on Monday. “It was a giant mushroom with compact billowy clouds and crazy smoke rings around it on the plume coming up.” As mountain residents remained on guard, firefighting crews in Southern California continued to battle out-of-control wildfires Monday that had scorched …

Firefighters significantly tame California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record
4 months ago

Firefighters significantly tame California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record

Associated Press  

CHICO, Calif. — California’s largest wildfire this year has been significantly tamed as the state’s initially fierce fire season has, at least temporarily, fallen into a relative calm. The Park Fire was 53% contained Monday after scorching nearly 671 square miles in several northern counties, destroying 637 structures and damaging 49 as it became the state’s fourth-largest wildfire on record. …

California reports first wildfire death of the 2024 season as fires persist across the West
5 months, 1 week ago

California reports first wildfire death of the 2024 season as fires persist across the West

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Wildfires fueled by strong winds and an extended heat wave have led to the first death in California of the 2024 season, while wind-whipped flames in Arizona have forced hundreds to flee from what tribal leaders are calling the “most serious” wildfire on their reservation in decades. California’s first death of the fire season was reported after …

Opinion: Wildfire smoke kills thousands of Californians a year. It doesn’t have to be so deadly
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Opinion: Wildfire smoke kills thousands of Californians a year. It doesn’t have to be so deadly

LA Times  

When wildfires rage, the immediate threat is obvious — but smoke from the fires actually kills far more people than the flames do. As fires become more frequent, smoke is leading to a public health crisis, likely contributing to more than 52,000 premature deaths across California from 2008 to 2018, we recently found. In years with lots of fire activity …

California braces for heavy wildfire activity this fall: ‘They’re only going to get worse’
6 months ago

California braces for heavy wildfire activity this fall: ‘They’re only going to get worse’

LA Times  

Experts are warning Californians to brace for a ‘very active’ wildfire season this fall as two back-to-back wet winters and forecasts for a warmer-than-normal summer are likely to prime the state’s landscape for fire. “The bad news is that I think that the back half of this season is going to be much more active — with a lot more …

California firefighters make significant progress against wildfire east of San Francisco Bay
6 months, 3 weeks ago

California firefighters make significant progress against wildfire east of San Francisco Bay

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy California's largest wildfire so far …

Death toll at 9 as storm destruction mounts in Southern California
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Death toll at 9 as storm destruction mounts in Southern California

LA Times  

A man attempts to sweep mud and debris from the driveway of his Beverly Crest home after an atmospheric river unleashed heavy rain and debris flows on Monday. “Do not let your guard down,” Ariel Cohen, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard, said Tuesday during a briefing in Los Angeles. “There could still be some very significant impacts.” It …

Red flag wildfire warnings issued across at least nine states
1 year, 8 months ago

Red flag wildfire warnings issued across at least nine states

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Red flag warnings have been issued across at least nine US states on Wednesday as …

Nineteen dead as California storm chaos continues
1 year, 11 months ago

Nineteen dead as California storm chaos continues

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We aren’t out of the woods yet,” California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Nancy Ward said during a …

Rain, snowfall reduce risk of wildfires in California
2 years, 1 month ago

Rain, snowfall reduce risk of wildfires in California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “My sense is it’s certainly …

Climate change is rapidly accelerating in California, state report says
2 years, 1 month ago

Climate change is rapidly accelerating in California, state report says

LA Times  

A firefighter goes through the burn zone of the Fairview fire near Hemet on Sept. 9, 2022. Ten of the 20 largest wildfires since 1950 burned in 2020 and 2021, including the record-breaking August Complex, which surpassed 1 million acres in 2020 to become the state’s first “gigafire.” “It is troubling how some of the changes are occurring a lot …

Climate change fuels extremism in California wildfire zones
2 years, 2 months ago

Climate change fuels extremism in California wildfire zones

LA Times  

It’s hard to explain just how much some people in rural California dislike and distrust the rest of us, especially Gov. He issued a statement lambasting the “dictatorial whims of the State Water Board” and a “systemic attempt to destroy farming and ranching in order to run the people off their own land.” He encouraged “anyone to stop ‘voluntarily complying’ …

Two dead in wildfire outside of Los Angeles during record California heatwave
2 years, 3 months ago

Two dead in wildfire outside of Los Angeles during record California heatwave

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery The Fairview Fire has now reached 2,400 acres As a result, 14 large fires burned …

Thousands flee, several hurt as wildfire scorches California
2 years, 3 months ago

Thousands flee, several hurt as wildfire scorches California

Al Jazeera  

In the last five years, the western US state has experienced the largest and most destructive fires in its history. The fire that began Friday near a wood products plant quickly blew into a neighbourhood on the northern edge of Weed but then carried the flames away from the city of about 2,600 people. Allison Hendrickson, spokeswoman for Dignity Health …

Western wildfires force thousands of evacuations in Arizona, California
2 years, 6 months ago

Western wildfires force thousands of evacuations in Arizona, California

Firstpost  

Wildfires broke out early this spring in multiple states in the Western US, where climate change and an enduring drought are fanning the frequency and intensity of forest and grassland fires Flagstaff: The Western US on Monday marked another day of hot, dry and windy weather as crews from California to New Mexico battled wildfires that had forced hundreds of …

Western wildfires force evacuations in Arizona, California
2 years, 6 months ago

Western wildfires force evacuations in Arizona, California

Associated Press  

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Western U.S. on Monday marked another day of hot, dry and windy weather as crews from California to New Mexico battled wildfires that had forced hundreds of people to leave their homes. So far, one home and a secondary structure have been lost in the fire first reported Sunday, Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Bret Axlund said. …

Wildfires are getting worse across the globe. How does California compare?
2 years, 10 months ago

Wildfires are getting worse across the globe. How does California compare?

LA Times  

An alarming new United Nations report warns that the number of extreme wildfires is expected to increase 50% globally by the end of the century, and that governments are largely unprepared for the burgeoning crisis. “We hear that people in D.C. think of fire as a Western issue, or a Californian issue, but it really isn’t — it’s a global …

2021 was a unique climate disaster year, which may be the best we can hope for.
3 years ago

2021 was a unique climate disaster year, which may be the best we can hope for.

Slate  

This story was originally published by HuffPost and has been republished here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. This year’s devastating climate disasters, while breaking records, are only a glimpse at the worsening heat, fires, storms, and floods expected in years to come. This year’s United Nations climate report repeated what similar reports have been saying for years, with …

Firefighters make progress coralling big California wildfire
3 years, 2 months ago

Firefighters make progress coralling big California wildfire

Associated Press  

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Firefighters reported significant progress in corralling a wildfire in Southern California coastal mountains on Friday. The Alisal Fire in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara grew only slightly since Thursday morning to 26.4 square miles and containment of the blaze jumped to 41%, up from 5% 24 hours earlier. Elsewhere in California, gusty winds …

Editorial: Climate change is fueling extreme heat. California can do much more to save lives
3 years, 2 months ago

Editorial: Climate change is fueling extreme heat. California can do much more to save lives

LA Times  

Diane McClinden, 63, and her dog Frankie try to stay cool in their trailer home in Desert Hot Springs on July 26, when the temperature reached 97 degrees. California may be a leader in fighting climate change, but the state is unprepared for one of the deadliest consequences of global warming — extreme heat. Here’s one reason state leaders have …

Wildfire warning issued across California as strong wind, drought and high heat brings fire risk
3 years, 3 months ago

Wildfire warning issued across California as strong wind, drought and high heat brings fire risk

Daily Mail  

The National Weather Service has issued a wildfire warning for most of Northern California as fast-moving thunderstorms with lightning and little rain moved across the area early Friday, raising the risk of new wildfires in the drought-stricken region. The National Weather Service has issued a wildfire warning for most of Northern California as fast-moving thunderstorms with lightning and little rain …

Climate change is causing wildfires that are amplifying Covid
3 years, 3 months ago

Climate change is causing wildfires that are amplifying Covid

CNN  

A version of this story appeared in CNN’s What Matters newsletter. “Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations have been climbing precipitously in the Reno area over the past several weeks,” according to CNN’s report. “Coronavirus cases in Washoe County on Monday were up 24% compared to the week before, and hospitalizations increased by more than 18%.” A study published in the journal …

California faces unprecedented dangers as record heat, dryness combine with fierce winds
3 years, 4 months ago

California faces unprecedented dangers as record heat, dryness combine with fierce winds

LA Times  

A road cuts through the community of Grizzly Flats, which was consumed by the Caldor fire on Aug. 18. “And in much of California, historically, the heart of the fire season — especially for big fires — is the time of year when the Santa Ana and Diablo winds kick in.” To Hall and others, the conditions this year underscore …

Two fast-moving California fires are creating their own dangerous weather systems
3 years, 5 months ago

Two fast-moving California fires are creating their own dangerous weather systems

LA Times  

Jessica Bell takes a video as the Dixie fire burns along Highway 70 in Plumas National Forest on Friday. “Right now,” said Tamarack fire incident spokesman Mike DeFries, “there’s a lot happening all at once.” The 5-day-old Dixie fire spanning Butte and Plumas counties has stymied fire crews as it continues to swell — doubling in size to roughly 60,000 …

US: Firefighters continue to battle massive West Coast wildfires
3 years, 5 months ago

US: Firefighters continue to battle massive West Coast wildfires

Al Jazeera  

Firefighters continue to battle massive wildfires on the West Coast of the United States, as authorities in California closed part of a highway and ordered evacuations near a surging blaze that remains completely uncontained. In a statement on Sunday, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest said the Tamarack Fire near Markleeville, about 257km west of Sacramento near the California-Nevada state line, had grown …

Western US wildfires force hundreds from their homes
3 years, 5 months ago

Western US wildfires force hundreds from their homes

Al Jazeera  

A growing wildfire in a bone-dry forest in the Western United States has forced hundreds of people from their homes as it charred more than 854sq km and showed no signs of slowing on Wednesday amid a blistering heatwave and drought. Tim McCarley, one of the evacuees, told the Reuters news agency earlier this week that sheriff’s deputies and state …

California fires are burning faster, hotter, more intensely — and getting harder to fight
3 years, 5 months ago

California fires are burning faster, hotter, more intensely — and getting harder to fight

LA Times  

The fires have burned more than 140,000 acres, from soaring mountains along the California-Nevada border to forest north of Mt. “All else equal, drier vegetation means more intense fires,” Swain said, noting that “intensity” refers both to the heat of a fire and to its behavior. “That dryness,” Tingley added, “just creates these tinderbox conditions.” So far this year, many …

California hit by record-breaking fire destruction: ‘Climate change is real, it’s bad’
3 years, 5 months ago

California hit by record-breaking fire destruction: ‘Climate change is real, it’s bad’

LA Times  

Plumes of smoke rise above Frenchman Lake as the Sugar fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex, burns in Plumas National Forest on Thursday. Though last year was the worst wildfire season California has seen — with over 4 million acres burned — the potential to surpass it is there, said Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff. In Southern California, all three …

California forest closed as wildfires burn, heat returns
3 years, 5 months ago

California forest closed as wildfires burn, heat returns

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

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