Los Angeles is currently grappling with severe wildfires. This situation, while not unprecedented, has reached a new level of intensity, especially for January. Typically, wildfires in the region peak in summer, but this "out-of-season" event is a result of a perfect storm of conditions.
How did this happen?
- Extended drought: LA has seen 280 days without rain, leaving vegetation — including grasses — drier than ever and highly susceptible to ignition.
- Unusually high biomass: Before the drought, a wetter-than-usual spring has led to an unusual surge in plant growth, and many dormant seeds have germinated. This has resulted in a landscape filled with an abundance of dry biomass, ready to fuel any fire that sparks.
- Santa Ana winds: The notorious Santa Ana winds, typically seen later in the year, have arrived early this season. These dry, hot winds, which can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h, exacerbate the situation by rapidly spreading fires and carrying ash over long distances, further complicating firefighting efforts.
- Human-caused ignitions: Around 80% of wildfires are human-caused, which can be something as simple as a discarded cigarette or sparks from a vehicle. Given the high amount of dry biomass and the presence of strong winds, even small sparks can escalate into catastrophic fires.
In addition, the region's wooden homes and infrastructure make the area especially vulnerable, and the severe winds have rendered air-based firefighting efforts nearly impossible.
What can be done?
While many of the contributing factors are hard to control — such as climate change, seasonal shifts, and wind patterns — there are critical strategies that can be adopted to reduce the severity and frequency of these devastating fires.
- Strategic firebreaks: While firebreaks likely exist, expanding and strategically placing them can help slow the spread of fires. These controlled gaps in vegetation serve as barriers that reduce the fire's reach and give firefighters a better chance to contain it.
- Water-holding ecosystems: By enhancing riparian forests (wetlands and forested areas around water bodies) and creating swales we can increase the amount of moisture retained in the landscape. These ecosystems act as natural buffers, slowing fire progression by keeping vegetation wetter for longer periods. Moreover, they offer a sustainable water source for firefighting efforts when time is critical.
- Artificial water storage: Expanding the capacity for water storage in key areas can provide additional firefighting resources when needed most. Constructing more water basins or retention ponds — especially in fire-prone zones — would allow for rapid deployment of water in the event of a fire outbreak.
- Public awareness campaigns: Just as "Smokey Bear" raised awareness about preventing wildfires, it’s crucial to invest in educational campaigns that emphasize the human role in igniting fires. A broader, community-driven approach to fire prevention, including reducing risk factors like discarded cigarettes or irresponsible vehicle maintenance, can reduce the incidence of man-made fires.
The current wildfire crisis in LA highlights a growing vulnerability that requires urgent attention. While we cannot control the weather or eliminate the risk entirely, we can take concrete, adaptive steps to reduce fire severity and frequency. From creating strategic firebreaks to enhancing our natural and artificial water storage capacities, there are a range of solutions that can make a meaningful difference.
We are supporting our LA partners City Plants with a 10k donation and will continue to explore reforestation opportunities with partners in the region.
