The devastating and destructive fires in California have recently been in the news constantly. Thousands upon thousands of acres have been burned. Both people and wildlife have lost their homes.
It is imperative that California residents stay safe and vigilant in these terrifying times. Governor Gavin Newsom recently proclaimed a state of emergency in several California counties.
Why is California Experiencing So Many Wildfires?
Most California fires occur between the months of April and October. Over 725,800 acres have burned in California just this year. But why have the frequency and intensity of wildfires exploded in recent years?
Essentially, it’s due to climate change. Particularly in years of drought, fires spark easily and move quickly. Since 2008, the destructiveness of large wildfires has been rising—particularly for acres burned per fire. Between lightning strikes, untended campfires, equipment malfunctions, deliberate arson, and dry conditions, fires can start and spread rapidly.
Where is there a State of Emergency?
It has been declared that Plumas county, California is in a state of emergency due to the Gold Complex Fire. The state of emergency in Butte and Tehama counties is due to the Park Fire.
Earlier in the month, Governor Newsom announced a state of emergency due to the Thompson Fire.
The Park Fire
On July 24th, the catastrophic Park Fire began burning. Four California counties are affected: Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama.
As of writing, about 368,250 acres have burned and the fire is only 12% contained. Almost 4,900 people have helped to contain the destruction.
How Did the Park Fire Start?
On Thursday, July 25th, 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II of Chico was arrested for suspicion of starting the Park Fire. He is facing charges of arson.
Last Wednesday, an unknown male—believed to be Stout—was seen pushing a burning car into a gulley near Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park. The car spread its fire to nearby vegetation and began the devastating Park Fire.
The Gold Complex Fire
The Gold Complex Fire is, fortunately, significantly more contained than the Park Fire. Plumas county is the only county affected and it is 98% contained.
As of writing, just over 3,000 acres have been affected by this fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Many evacuation orders and warnings have been issued.
Other Notable California Fires
The Thompson Fire burned from July 2nd to the 8th. Butte county was the only affected county and 3,789 acres were devastated. Fortunately, it has been completely contained.
The Park Fire is currently the largest California fire catastrophe. Currently, over 20 active incidents are listed on the CAL FIRE website. Aside from the Park Fire, the 2024 SQF Lightning Complex, Lake Fire, Shelly Fire, and Hill Fire have impacted the most land.
Fire Management Assistance Grants
On July 25th, 2024, Newsom announced that California obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This grant is to help fight the devastating and ongoing Park Fire.
Earlier this month, California obtained a similar Fire Management Assistance Grant to help combat the Thompson, French, and Hawarden fires.
Fees Waived for Impacted Residents
Along with supporting firefighters and first responders that are helping to suppress fires, the Fire Management Assistance Grants also support residents of affected areas. As part of the grants, unemployment benefit access is eased and some fees to replace driver’s licenses and records such as marriage and birth certificates are waived.
Additionally, they also allow the waiver of certain regulations so that care facilities like hospitals, adult and senior care facilities, and home care organizations impacted by the fires can continue to provide services. If needed, these facilities can also provide care to patients or residents displaced by the fires.
Words from Governor Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom explained, “We are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires.”
He encouraged California residents to “stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue.”
