• Investigators are considering an array of possible ignition sources for the huge fires that have killed at least 11 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in the Los Angeles area in the United States.

• The California state is no stranger to wildfires, though this event is extraordinary in that it is impacting one of the largest cities in the United States.

• The fires started on January 7 and spread rapidly. At least 11 people were reported dead and more than 10,000 structures were destroyed. More than 175,000 people were under evacuation orders. 

• Last year’s rainy season for the Los Angeles area was above normal, and this allowed vegetation to grow large and strong. This was followed by a very dry spell from the end of the rainy season up until the present time, which meant that the relatively large vegetation got tinder-dry, which provided abundant fuel for fires to consume.

• Together with the strong Santa Ana winds, which are typical for California, this provided the elements for the perfect storm. 

• The Santa Ana winds are high winds from the mountains that cause temperatures to rise and cause very low humidity, drying out the ground and vegetation.

• The Santa Ana winds occur when there is high pressure to the east, in the Great Basin, and a low-pressure system off the coast. Air masses move from high pressure to low pressure, and the more extreme the difference in the pressure, the faster the winds blow.

• The fires were so fierce that the smoke could be seen by satellites from space. The fires had a major impact on air quality and public health. 

• Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States during the last two decades. 

What is wildfire?

• A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland or prairie. Wildfires are often caused by human activity or a natural phenomenon such as lightning. They often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly and can damage natural resources and destroy homes. It impacts wildlife and biodiversity. 

• The risk of wildfires increases in extremely dry conditions, such as drought, and during high winds. Wildfires can disrupt transportation, communications, power and gas services and water supply. They also lead to a deterioration of the air quality.

• Wildfires or forest fires can have a significant impact on mortality and morbidity depending on the size, speed and proximity to the fire, and whether the population has advanced warning to evacuate.

• The size and frequency of wildfires are growing due to climate change. Hotter and drier conditions are drying out ecosystems and increasing the risk of wildfires. It also simultaneously impacts weather and the climate by releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. Resulting air pollution can cause a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. 

• Wildfire smoke is a mixture of air pollutants of which particulate matter is the principal public health threat. Infants, young children, women who are pregnant, and older adults are more susceptible to health impacts from smoke and ash, which are important air pollutants. Smoke and ash from wildfires can greatly impact those with pre-existing respiratory diseases or heart disease.

• Forest fires have been an integral part of forest ecosystems, playing a pivotal role in shaping their conservation and management. Despite their benefits in terms of facilitating regeneration and clearing forest floors, the losses associated with fires far outweigh these benefits. 

• Managed forest fires are utilised as crucial tools for resource management, improving ecological conditions, and reducing excessive fuel accumulation. 

• Forest fires, however, significantly contribute to forest degradation and incur immeasurable losses in terms of floral and faunal biodiversity thus causing environmental decline. 

• Majority of fires, intentional or accidental, are caused by human activities. Whether managed or unmanaged, fires within an ecosystem can result in alterations to the habitat and species composition. 

Additional Read: 

Forest fires in India

In India, forest fire is a serious problem in the hilly states, especially in summers. Forest fires do occur every year during summer due to various natural and anthropogenic reasons including accumulation of inflammable materials such as dry leaves, twigs, pine needles. etc. Most of the forest fires in the country are ground fires in which ground vegetation, etc get burnt.

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