Wednesday, December 15, 2021
More than 36,000 structures are being threatened by a wildfire in the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles and about 20,000 people have been evacuated in another fire south of Reno, Nevada.
The current situation with wildfires in California and Nevada, exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave, is critical and poses significant threats to both regions. Here are the key details:
This wildfire is raging in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 65 miles east of Los Angeles. As of Monday morning, it had scorched nearly 32 square miles of grassland and scrub, threatening over 36,000 structures including residential and commercial properties.
Evacuations were mandated for areas including Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and regions east of Highway 330. The fire has generated pyrocumulus clouds, leading to hazardous conditions such as strong winds and lightning strikes. Firefighters are facing steep terrain and temperatures above 100 degrees, which has hampered their efforts. Three firefighters have been injured.
The Redlands Unified School District canceled classes for approximately 20,000 students, and Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County.
Located about 20 miles south of Reno, this fire began in the Davis Creek Regional Park within Washoe Valley and has expanded to roughly 10 square miles. It remains uncontained and is consuming dense timber and brush.
An emergency declaration was issued for Washoe County by Governor Joe Lombardo, leading to the evacuation of approximately 20,000 individuals from neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and campgrounds. Power outages have affected homes, businesses, and traffic lights in the region.
The heatwave has shattered records across the Southwest, with temperatures persistently above 100 degrees. This extreme heat has exacerbated the wildfire conditions, drying out the landscape and increasing the fire risk.
The prolonged heatwave has led to heat-related illnesses and fatalities. In Nevada, for example, heat-related deaths have increased significantly, with 152 such deaths recorded in 2022.
The combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and gusty winds has heightened the risk of wildfires across Western states. This situation is attributed to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat its effects.
Efforts to mitigate risks include power shutoffs to reduce wildfire risks, activation of cooling centers, and public health advisories to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
The situation remains dire, with ongoing efforts by firefighters and authorities to contain the fires and protect communities amidst the severe heatwave conditions.
Protecting your Home Against Wildfires
