The warmer season sprung up faster than expected in California this week. Overnight, a raging wildfire broke out in San Joaquin County, resulting in thousands of people being evacuated from the area.
The fire began on Saturday afternoon and had already spread to more than 12,500 acres by the next morning. It is currently uncontained and spreading quickly throughout the heavily wooded area, heading towards residential areas.
Where Did the Fire Begin?
It’s unclear how the initial fire began; investigators are still working to determine a direct cause. However, it is known that the fire began near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site 300.
The site holds explosive materials and hydrodynamic equipment to be tested and developed. Officials fear that something went wrong with explosive testing at the site.
Interstates Have Been Closed
Along with the residents who have been evacuated from their homes, interstate 580 had to be shut down on Saturday. It remained closed throughout Sunday night from Alameda County to Stanislaus County.
Unfortunately, containment of the fire dropped from 40% to just 13% overnight. The quick spread means firefighters will have an increasingly difficult time containing the blaze.
Dry Conditions in the Area
California has recently experienced an extreme drought. In addition, in many areas, invasive deer have been eating away at moist native plants and leaving behind dry twigs and leaves that can spell disaster for fire efforts.
Dry weather conditions are pervasive throughout the state and will continue to worsen as the warmer summer months progress.
Firefighters Have Injured
Dry winds raging throughout the state have stoked the fire, injuring two firefighters while trying to contain it.
As drought concerns worsen, state officials may have difficulty sourcing water to dump on the fire. One of the best ways to battle a forest fire is to use helicopters and small planes to pick up water from lakes and dump it directly on the fire.
Excessive Heat Watch in the Area
Although the summer has yet to begin, the state is already under an intense heat warning. Temperatures between 95 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit are predicted for the week.
According to the National Weather Service, high heat and strong winds are expected to pick up on Monday night, which could spell disaster for the areas surrounding the fire.
A Large Number of People Affected
The fire first began around 70 miles east of San Francisco and 80 miles south of Sacramento. The city closest is Modesto, home to about 200,000 people. It is known for being a small area with thick woods surrounding the small town.
The small city is currently at the center of the fire, and more homes are on evacuation alert in case the fire creeps close to them.
Bad Year So Far for California Wildfires
The state of California has been battling wildfires for decades. As global temperatures continue to worsen, the threat of wildfires, hurricanes and extreme weather events becomes more common.
California has already experienced 14 large forest fires (where more than 300 acres were burned at a time), and more than 34,000 acres of wooded areas have burned so far.
Wildfire Season Is Lengthening
Although California already knows to expect wildfires from April to October, climate scientists predict that soon, the season could be year-round.
Predictions from the Environmental Protection Agency issued in February show that the state’s fires are expected to increase in intensity and frequency. The fires will continue to affect residents and wildlife and threaten the infrastructure around the state.
Recent Years Have Been the Worst on Record for Damage
In 2020 and 2021, more than 4.3 million and 2.6 million acres were burned by wildfires in the state. The worst years on record killed an unknown amount of wildlife and caused billions in damage.
Fires decimate homes, lives, and infrastructure. The stronger they get, the more unable firefighters are to contain them. Increasing heat and droughts in the area are feared to only exacerbate the worsening fire seasons.
Hawaii Faced a Similar Blaze That Decimated Lahaina
In 2023, a small wildfire broke out just outside of the historic town of Lahaina. However, due to the excessively dry summer in the Pacific, the fire quickly swept through the small town, trapping people in their homes and cars while decimating it.
More than 100 people lost their lives, and thousands were left without shelter. Historic sites like the beloved Banyan Tree, which has lived since the Hawaiian Kingdom, were taken in the blaze.
Billions in Damage Caused by the Fire
The single fire on the small Hawaiian island caused more than $5.6 billion in damage.
Now, California officials are looking to change their tactics to prevent wildfires and avoid a similar situation. However, the beginning of the wildfire season does not bode well for the prevention tactics currently in place.
