INFERNO: Firefighters continue to fight some of the largest fires in California history.
By Sophia Santoso, Staff Writer
The battle continues between California and 14 active fires that are spreading from the northern area to the southern area of the state, including the Carr Fire, Ferguson Fire, and the Holy Fire in Orange County.
Igniting on July 23rd, the wildfire fire near Redding, California continues to devastate residents, residences, and firefighters. Recently, one great-grandmother and two children were killed by the surging blaze, and at least 1,000 residences have been destroyed. The Carr Fire near Shasta County has killed six people; three of which were firefighters. The Ferguson Fire near Yosemite has killed 2 firefighters, which has resulted in a temporary shutdown of Yosemite National Park. TIME magazine states, “Together, the recent fires have destroyed over 1,000 structures, and taken almost nine lives.” As a result, firefighting costs have reached 24 million dollars, while the fires that ignite in California increase in severity every year.
Although classified as a wildfire, the recent fire is deemed to be ignited due to human activity. A breakdown of a vehicle is believed to have started the Carr Fire. California’s weather condition during the summer makes it too easy for the flames to spread rapidly throughout the forest. When it’s often hot, dry, and windy, the flames are prone to expand.
Aside from destroying homes and taking the lives of Americans, wildfires have a massive impact on wildlife inhabitants and the air pollution. Emissions harmful to human health are released into the air during wildfires. These air pollutants are capable of reaching far beyond the initial site of the fire. The ash released into the air from California’s recent fires have reached places as far as the Bay Area. Thus, the fires have not only endangered the residents and structures within the cities’ range, but also those of the surrounding area.
In addition to affecting wildlife habitats and air pollution, wildfires have an extensive impact on global warming. Although global warming remains controversial topic, long term studies held by scientists prove that a gradual increase in temperature exists on planet earth. Earth’s atmosphere increases in temperature when pollutants and carbon dioxide are released into the air. It is crucial to know that fires, including those that dominate California, directly deliver these harmful gases and pollutants into the air. With an increase in temperature, numerous icebergs located in Greenland and Alaska, start to melt, resulting in a rapid rise in ocean levels.
With this form of air pollution that dominates California, it is not healthy for residents to spend time outside, as carbon dioxide- a greenhouse gas, is filling their lungs. Children and students especially, are not recommended to play sports that take place outside, as inhaling carbon dioxide is severely harmful to their health. Wildfires are deadly to inhabitants, wildlife, and to our environment. In order to prevent fires in California and places around the world, it is vital that we respect nature and filter our actions around fire-prone areas.