In Southern California, forest fires have been raging through the area while firefighters struggle to contain them. There have been six fires in total: Thomas Fire, Rye Fire, Creek Fire, Skirball Fire, Liberty Fire. According to CNN, these combined fires are larger than New York City and Boston combined.
Thomas Fire has been the biggest contributor, destroying more than 790 structures and causing damages of more than $34 million. Lilac has been one of the most recent and very fast-moving fires, consuming 4,100 acres in a short span since its ignition Thursday. All of these fires have started as simple brush fires that turned into the monstrosities seen today.
These fires have been devastating for many families who live in the Southern California area. A “red flag warning” has been extended into Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service. This means that elevated conditions could arise due to the gusty winds and low humidity. These conditions raise the risk for more terror. Already, these fires have forced almost 100,000 people to evacuate. Fire officials are always on the lookout for the people who are in danger. Officially, one person has died from these fires, a 70-year-old woman by the name of Santua Puala who died as she was trying to escape. Her body was found, hers is the only officially known death.
At this very moment, firefighters are expending all of their resources to try and mitigate these fires. According to ABC news, Governor Jerry Brown commented “[We’re] facing a new reality in the state,” he said. “It’s a horror and a horror we need to recover from.” He noted that climate change and California’s drought have caused these fires.
People from all over the country are sending their thoughts and prayers towards the families in California. Thanks and prayers should be sent to the firefighters risking their lives to protect the residents of Southern California