WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): While we deal with the snowy expanse of winter, it is warm and windy in California. These conditions have unfortunately caused two massive wildfires to ignite in Los Angeles County, California. The Palisades Fire has burned through 15,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire has burned through 10,000. You may wonder how these fires get started in the winter months in California, and Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the details:
HOW?: California is experiencing a wind event named the Santa Ana Winds, also nicknamed “The Devil Winds” by locals. This event is caused by a high pressure in the Great Basin, the massive expanse of dried up watersheds in the western half of the country, causing massive warm winds to blow towards the California coast.
These winds have been strengthen in this instance by a low pressure in Mexico/New Mexico. The low pressure being so close to the high pressure causes the winds to become stronger due to the high difference in pressure over a short area. This essentially compresses the winds, making them move through the area faster towards California.
IMPACTS: Many homes and forests have been damaged or destroyed by these fires due to the fast moving flames and dry conditions. This event has also taken the lives of 17 people, with more missing. Evacuation orders have been put out for several major cities, including Pasadena and Santa Monica.
THE FORMULA: Wildfires have three main components to start. They need dry air, or low humidity, strong winds, and fuel. Southern California has been warm and dry over the last couple of months, making the environment suitable for fire weather. Next, the Santa Ana Winds bring the wind factor and then some, letting oxygen ignite the fuel. The fuel, in many cases, is dead vegetation such as trees or shrubs. Due to the low precipitation in the area, there is an excess of these dead plants in the area. It is a perfect storm in California for wildfires, and they have unfortunately been ignited in the area.
THE FIRES: Currently, the Palisades fire has burned over 15,000 acres with no end in sight. Santa Monica has been told to evacuate due to this fire as it rages on. The Eaton Fire has burned 10,000 acres, and has affected Pasadena and other area. There is a new fire on Hollywood Hills as well, igniting around 9pm EST on January 8th. Police ad Firefighters are working diligently in the area to manage both the fire and evacuation traffic as these fires rage on.
