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 of the worst behaviors of wildfire have become a reality — as when crews battling the Sugar fire were set back substantially after a wind-whipped ember jumped containment lines and ignited a new blaze. Swain said the “pyro-vortex” over the Sugar fire was one example of fires creating their own weather patterns, which can also include strong winds, tornadoes and massive smoke plumes. And while much of the state’s extreme fire behavior can be attributed to the drought, rising global temperatures characterized by more frequent extreme heat waves are also a significant factor, experts said.

History of this topic

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year
1 week, 5 days ago
Storm lashes Northern California after leaving thousands without power in Seattle
1 month ago
Northern California gets record rain and heavy snow
1 month ago
The Mountain fire was the third most destructive wildfire in a decade. These maps show why
1 month ago
Drought warnings issued across Northeast as wildfires burn
1 month, 1 week ago
2 charged with setting some Northeast wildfires amid New Jersey drought warning and blazes out West
1 month, 1 week ago
Dozens of fires still burn in US Northeast but California fire is under relative control
1 month, 1 week ago
Firefighters gain control over California wildfire, 100 structures destroyed
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1 month, 2 weeks ago
Firefighters advance on destructive blaze in California, aided by slower winds
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Firefighters gain ground against devastating wildfire in Southern California that destroyed over 130 homes
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago
AP photos show the terror of Southern California wildfires and the crushing aftermath
1 month, 2 weeks ago
California wildfires destroy more than 130 homes as governor declares state of emergency
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Favorable weather assists firefighters in battling the devastating Mountain fire
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Over 130 homes lost in California wildfire: officials
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Southern California firefighters gain ground over wildfire thanks to decreased winds
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Southern California wildfire destroys 132 structures as officials look for fierce winds to subside
Top News
1 month, 2 weeks ago
California wildfire burns out of control but firefighters could get a break when winds diminish
1 month, 2 weeks ago
How the Mountain fire exploded into Southern California’s most destructive in years
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Southern California wildfire destroys 132 structures as officials look for fierce winds to subside
Top News
1 month, 2 weeks ago
'All gone': Thousands told to evacuate as wildfire nears Los Angeles
1 month, 2 weeks ago
A wildfire fueled by strong winds has devastated Southern California, thousands evacuated
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Wind gusts could reach 100 mph in some spots as SoCal faces another day of dangerous fire weather
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Strong winds fuel rapid spread of wildfires in Southern California
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Powerful winds and low humidity raise wildfire risk across California
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Thousands in Southern California told to evacuate as wind-fed wildfire spreads
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago
California wildfires are spreading and intensifying faster, putting more people in danger
1 month, 4 weeks ago
Calmer weather helps contain Oakland, California, fire that forced evacuations
2 months ago
Fires spark across state as California heads into dangerous weekend of gusty, dry winds
2 months, 1 week ago
Cooler weather settles into the Southland, but fire risks remain
2 months, 1 week ago
Unusual October heat wave in California brings new fire fears; 1 million acres already burned
2 months, 3 weeks ago
Fall baking! Soaring California temperatures spur power shutoff warnings, increased fire risks
2 months, 3 weeks ago
Favorable weather conditions help firefighters increase containment of three major wildfires
3 months ago
Commentary: Southern California forests are burning. Protect them from their biggest threat — people
3 months ago
Weekend progress made against Southern California wildfires
3 months, 1 week ago
Weather shift gives firefighters an edge in battling three large Southern California wildfires
3 months, 1 week ago
As weather conditions improve, firefighters make progress battling Southern California wildfires
3 months, 1 week ago
Firefighters gaining control over destructive Southern California wildfires
3 months, 1 week ago
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3 months, 1 week ago
Threat lingers from Southern California wildfires, officials say
3 months, 1 week ago
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3 months, 2 weeks ago
Shocking satellite images and videos show Southern California fires exploding
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse
3 months, 2 weeks ago
SoCal fires burn 100,000 acres, destroy dozens of homes and injure 13
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Southern California wildfires worsen firefighter shortage as West explodes
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Fire threatens Southern California ski resorts. Will they make it to winter?
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Three massive wildfires continue to burn in southern California
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Wildfires tear through western US during heatwave
3 months, 2 weeks ago

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