California suffered its biggest fire of the year over the weekend as the west coast was once again ravaged by flames. The Post Fire broke out in rural Gorman, burning more than 5,900 hectares in two days and leading to the evacuation of 1,200 people. This fire, which started in mid-June, could be a sign of an intense fire season in California, with around fifteen smaller fires breaking out across the state over the weekend.
Climatologist Daniel Swain warned that by July, there is likely to be a very active fire season, especially at low altitudes. The state has experienced two consecutive rainy winters, encouraging the growth of dense vegetation that is now drying out as summer approaches, offering more biomass to burn in potential fires. These conditions, combined with record-breaking early season heat waves in the American West, are raising concerns of rapid vegetation drying out.
Scientists attribute these repeated heat waves to global warming and expect them to increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. Across the United States, the center and east are also bracing for a stifling heat wave this week, with abnormal temperatures for June. The two very rainy years have increased vegetation that could act as fuel according to specialists.
The Post Fire mainly consumed large areas of brush and grasslands in the mountainous region but homes have generally been spared so far. However, concerns have been raised about a dangerous summer ahead as experts warn that these conditions could lead to more intense wildfires if not managed properly. As such, efforts are being made by firefighters across California and other parts of the west coast to prevent wildfires from spreading further and causing harm to both humans and wildlife alike.
