A devastating wildfire in Southern California has destroyed dozens of homes and forced the evacuation of about 30,000 people, mainly in the Los Angeles region.
Fueled by wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour (145 kilometers per hour), the fire has spread rapidly, affecting entire communities and putting lives and infrastructure at risk.
The fire, known as the Palisades, began Tuesday morning and by afternoon had consumed nearly 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares), creating widespread chaos.
Residents of Malibu and other nearby areas were ordered to evacuate immediately, as firefighters struggled to contain the flames in extremely dangerous conditions.
“This is a highly dangerous wind storm that is creating an extreme fire risk, and we are not out of the woods,” declared California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Authorities have described the situation as critical, and emergency resources have been mobilized to the maximum.
The consequences of the fire have been devastating. In addition to the dozens of homes destroyed, more than 17,000 people were left without power in Los Angeles County, and the flames have forced the evacuation of senior centers, where residents in wheelchairs and hospital beds were rushed to places insurance.
Climate experts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) warn that these extreme conditions are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Professor Alex Hall explained in a statement sent to the Voice of America that “Southern California has experienced an exceptionally hot summer, with almost no precipitation during the wet season, leaving dry vegetation ready to burn.”
Hall also warned about how quickly these conditions can turn a spark into a massive wildfire. “These intense winds can spread fires at an alarming speed, a dynamic that is worsened by warmer temperatures caused by climate change,” he added.
According to the National Weather Service, a “life-threatening” and “destructive” wind storm is expected Wednesday morning across much of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, including areas that don’t normally experience this weather phenomenon. .
In this sense, climate scientist Daniel Swain pointed out in that same statement that this event is different from the typical Santa Ana winds, since it affects not only mountainous areas, but also valleys, urban areas and even the center of Los Angels. “These winds could reach between 50 and 90 miles per hour (80 and 145 kilometers per hour), increasing the risk of fires and material damage,” he indicated.
Given the situation, authorities have closed strategic roads to minimize risks, while experts warn that the situation could worsen as the winds continue and the vegetation continues to dry, prolonging the period of “extreme danger.”
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