Westerns Fire Destruction Equals Size Of Delaware

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Based on several reports, the wildfires in the West, which are concentrated in California and Oregon, have consumed acreage the size of Delaware.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 111 large active fires have consumed 1,820,955 acres, and 555 fire crews are battling them. “Evacuation orders are also in effect for several fires in California and the Great Basin.” This figure will only rise. Additionally, the cost of wildfires could reach $800 billion.

It is early in the fire season, which peaks from early June until September. This means that the worst may be ahead.

High Wind Speeds

Among the primary problems with wildfires is that the conditions that usually start them will worsen over the next few years and almost certainly longer. Despite rain from the Pacific four months ago, most of the West still suffers from drought. Many forecasters believe it will become worse over the next several decades. These areas often have winds that can gust over 50 MPH. That means that containing them quickly is impossible. And the heat that makes fires more likely to start and spread will only worsen.

The human triggers of fires will also not disappear—from campfires to sparks from car exhaust, arson, and utility wires. The problem with utilities is that consumers’ prices could soar as there is more damage.

One forecast is that some of these fires will burn for months. If so, the number of square miles destroyed could more than double. Despite the recent use of drones and new fire suppressants, there is no way to arrest this level of destruction entirely.