Fires in Los Angeles: why are they so devastating? | UPDATE

A text by Félicia Latour

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For the past week, violent forest fires have been burning around Los Angeles, California. As of this publication, these fires have destroyed thousands of homes and caused the deaths of at least 24 people. We explain to you why these fires are so intense and complicated to control, as well as their repercussions on residents.

Why do fires spread so quickly?

For a forest fire to break out, two things need to happen: something to burn, like vegetation, and oxygen in the air.

• Ultra-Dry Vegetation: In the state of California, there have been years of drought, followed by intense rains that allowed plants to grow in large quantities. Recently, the region has become very dry again, which has turned all this vegetation into real fuel for the flames.

• Powerful winds: At this time of year, strong winds Santa Ana blow very hard: in fact, they are so strong and dry that they are nicknamed “the wind dryers “. These winds dry out the plants even more, push the flames great distances and make the task of firefighters even more difficult.

A region difficult to evacuate

When a fire threatens a populated area, people must leave their homes quickly. As of the date of publication of this text, more than 100 000 people had to leave their home. But in an urban center like Los Angeles, this was no easy task:

• Crowded Roads: Los Angeles is a huge city with a lot of people. When everyone tries to leave at the same time, the main roads become giant traffic jams.

• Isolated places: In some suburbs and towns in the hills surrounding Los Angeles, roads are narrow and winding, making evacuation even more complicated.

How extensive is the damage?

The fires burned the equivalent of 22 841 soccer fields and destroyed more than 12 000 buildings. But fires not only destroy homes and forests, they also cause enormous economic losses. It is estimated that the damage caused by the wildfires to date will cost approximately from 135 to 150 billion US dollars. This includes rebuilding buildings, helping affected residents and efforts to put out the flames.

With information from - Info, Agence France-Presse and BBC

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