Several massive blazes have plagued Northern California this year, and now it could be Southern California’s turn.
The Dixie and Caldor fires continue to do damage in Northern California, putting the state at more than 2.2 million acres burned this year, according to CalFire. The Caldor Fire is at 219,267 acres and 68% contained, and the Dixie fire has burned 960,470 acres and is 75% contained.
The state’s wildfire season has been bad enough that California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued notices to insurers alerting them to cease non-renewals and cancellations of insurance coverage for communities with wildfire emergencies.
It’s been of a smokey, and destructive summer for the entire Western U.S.
Southern California has been comparatively quiet, but now it’s getting close to the time of year where classic offshore wind evens create what’s known as “Santa Ana” winds, which become more common throughout October and well into November.
Ground soil moistures throughout the state have been reported to be at or near record low levels, vegetation has dried out in many areas into tinder box fuel, and the severe drought was made an even greater peril by unusually high summer temperatures.