The Los Angeles Wildfire has wreaked havoc in the United States leaving at least 11 people dead and almost 10,000 houses burnt to ashes. Disturbing pictures and videos of the wildfire have also started to fuel conspiracy theories on social media. A doomsday-like atmosphere is prevailing in the city of Los Angeles. The world is also shocked to see various videos and pictures that have surfaced online raising questions about the inability of the world's most developed nation to douse the fire. One of the major questions that have popped into the minds of people is the LA Fire is happening in the winter season.
Why did the LA Fire happen despite the winter season?
Powerful winds have played an important role in provoking forest fires. In some areas, winds moved at a speed of 160 km per hour, which made it difficult for the fire department to control the fire. Along with this, the gases that heat the earth due to the burning of oil, coal, and gas are also making wildfires more dangerous in California.
Due to climate change, there has been no winter rain in some parts of California. Los Angeles received the second lowest rainfall in 150 years in the period after July 2024. Forests are drying up due to lack of rain and temperature. As a result, the area has become more sensitive to fire.
The US has been taking measures to prevent fire in the city of Los Angeles for the last three days, but it has not been controlled yet. The US Army has activated C-130 military transport aircraft to deal with the fire. Along with this, the fire department is also taking the help of helicopters.
This terrible fire has engulfed more than 10,000 houses. This has also affected many expensive houses built between the Santa Monica ranges and the Pacific Ocean. A new warning has also been issued for Malibu. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said that the disastrous fire that started on Tuesday in Palisades has taken a formidable form due to strong wind.
What are the common reasons for wildfires?
Notably, wildfires can be caused by both natural as well as artificial factors. Talking about natural factors, lightning is the most common cause of wildfires. In higher elevations, lightning sometimes strikes dry vegetation, which sparks a fire that can easily become uncontrollable, particularly when fueled by dry winds.
The report also mentioned the artcifial factor quoting an expert. The expert stated that in cities with roads near wildlife, such as in Southern California, it is very common for vehicles to unknowingly ignite a fire.
Sometimes, strong winds can hit power lines, causing them to move which can also ignite wildfires. Even campfires, if not extinguished properly, can lead to a huge wildfire.