Unraveling the Science of L.A. County Wildfires: What You Need to Know

Wildfires have been a major concern in southern California since January 1. These fires are heavily influenced by the Santa Ana winds, which blow from the desert towards California. These winds create conditions that allow the fires to spread quickly.

Derek Mallia, an atmospheric sciences professor, explains that strong winds push flames and carry hot embers far from the fire. “These firebrands can travel up to a couple of miles,” he says. “They can ignite new fires ahead of the main blaze.” When these smaller fires combine with the larger one, they make the entire situation even worse.

The first fire reported in the current outbreak was the Lachman Fire, which burned about eight acres. This initial fire likely set the stage for larger blazes like the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.

Climate Change and Wildfires

There’s ongoing debate about how much climate change is influencing these fires. Mallia notes that while its role isn’t clear in this instance, climate change generally leads to warmer and drier conditions, which can cause fires to spiral out of control.

William Anderegg, a climate science expert, points out that climate change has intensified droughts in the West, making landscapes more susceptible to fire. He mentions that La Niña is one weather pattern contributing to these dry conditions by causing drier winters every few years.

“With climate change drying out plants and soils, combined with La Niña and the Santa Ana winds, you get severe fire risks,” says Anderegg. A single spark can ignite a large wildfire in these conditions. He notes that while fire is natural in forest ecosystems, the intensity of recent fires is unmatched by what the environment can handle.

As fires rage on in southern California, preparation is key. Instead of reacting after the fact, Anderegg stresses the importance of proactive measures. This includes restoring natural fire patterns, often through controlled burns to remove excess fuel in the forests. The goal is to recreate a sustainable environment like that before European settlement.