At least 24 people have died in the Los Angeles fires as two major blazes continue to burn across the sprawling Californian city. Despite firefighters' efforts to contain the fire, some say to expect a spread again due to the high winds expected on Wednesday. California wildfires are no new occurrence and are even a part of the natural cycle of California's ecosystem. Fires clear dead materials, open up seedbanks, and release nutrients back to the environment. However, the L.A. fire is not only one of the most destructive fires California has seen, but is also a wildfire that is most likely a result of recent climate change.
Scientists say that the California wildfires is a result of "hydroclimate whiplash." Hydroclimate whiplash occurs when one extreme precipitation regime is replaced by another. In this case, extremely wet conditions are followed almost immediately by parched weather patterns, typically accompanied by above-average temperatures. This leads to a green-up of vegetation that then dries out through evaporation, leading to ample "fuels" for a blaze to burn. The strong winds — which reached 99 mph in some locations — acted as an "atmospheric blow dryer" on trees and other vegetation, further drying out the landscape and ensuring any fire wouldn't stay small for long.
Hiking Heroes sends our deepest condolences to the residents of Los Angeles. We encourage readers and members to donate to support families and first-responders through these difficult times.
The LAUSD Education Emergency Relief Fund--https://lausdedfoundation.org/emergency-relief-fund/
Cash Aid for Outdoor Workers Impacted by LA County Wildfires--
This Is About Humanity--https://icfdn.org/donate/?form=FUNDCBAXBVV
LA Fire Department Foundation--https://supportlafd.kindful.com/
The CA Fire Foundation--https://cpf.salsalabs.org/disasterrelief/index.html
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