The Scourge of SoCal WILDFIRES
Cal Orey, M.A.
My
Golden State is Burning…
When the Southern California wildfires ignited in the
winter of this new year, my empathy went out to all of my home state’s people,
pets, wildlife, infrastructure, and our environment. I recalled when I was out
in the field as a young journalist covering the deadly Oakland Firestorm. And,
the recent SoCal wildfire(s) triggered flashbacks of our Northern California
ongoing wildfires, including the Angora Fire, and Caldor Fire (it almost
consumed my hometown of South Lake Tahoe). And I will never forget my evacuation
one year later; getting caught in gridlock on a mountain highway in the eye of
the hazardous air from the Mosquito Fire.
The fact is, wildfires are no longer just a
seasonal thing. Climate change is making it a thing year-round—and Southern
California is not immune…
Once upon a time, I
called the vibrant stretch of Hollywood Blvd. my home. My adventures led me to
the sun-kissed shores of Malibu Beach, where I indulged in the art of pool
hopping, soaking up the California sun. Fate smiled upon me when I adopted a
water-loving lab in sunny San Diego, who became my loyal companion. Decades
later, I returned to Southern California on an earthquake book tour, eager to
revisit the eclectic towns of Los Angeles. However, in January 2025, my heart sank as I watched
the news of devastation wrought by relentless wildfires and fierce winds—echoes
of challenges faced in my hometown in Northern California.
Here,
take a real look at why my Golden State is burning, from one who speaks from
real experience.
SO,
WHO’S TO BLAME? What Caused the Recent SoCal Wildfires (January 2025), Anyhow?
The
recent wildfires in Southern California have been linked to several factors,
including climate change, Santa Ana winds, and drought conditions.
THE
INCONVIENENT TRUTH: Percentage Due to Not Thinning Forests
It’s
difficult to assign a specific percentage to the contribution of not thinning
forests as a cause of these fires. However, forest management practices,
including prescribed burns to thinning, are recognized as important for
reducing intensity and spread.
WARNING:
Arson and Other Causes
Some
of the recent fires were attributed to arson, while others were exacerbated by
the environmental conditions. Specific
ongoing investigations into each fire will provide clearer insights into their
causes.
WHERE’S
THE WATER? Better Resource Management, Please!
Indeed, the Santa Ana
winds, ongoing drought conditions, and the impacts of climate change are
interconnected factors to the wildfires in Southern California in 2025. Some
politicians have suggested that the lack of water management is a big issue,
implying that better water resource management could mitigate wildfire risks.
However, experts including the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection, argue that while water scarcity worsens drought
conditions, it isn’t the sole cause of wildfires; rather, it’s a combo of
environmental factors including high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong
winds that create ideal conditions to fires to ignite and spread.
This
California wildfires and the causes are a political debate that is nothing new.
Not thinning the forests is a significant factor but not the main cause. The mishmash
of extreme weather conditions (like Santa Ana winds), prolonged drought, and
climate change plays a more critical role in creating an environment conducive
to wildfires.
As
of late January, the report is at least 29 people have died in the January 2025
Southern California wildfires. Meanwhile, rainfall is a threat to mudslides,
and, of course, Southern California is known for its earthquakes and the Big
One is long overdue.
Sadly,
as wildfires continue to regions including California, the Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, the Southwest,
and Canada as well as other countries around the world,
nature plays a big role. But the truth is without a doubt, while the frequency of wildfires in my Golden State worsen in the 21st
century, both Mother Nature and mankind continue to be a threat that
can’t be ignored.
NEWS FLASH: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
FIRE INCIDENTS
These
January 2025 wildfires are nearly contained on January 29, 2025, thanks to the
heroic firefighters from Southern California, Northern California, Canada, and
Mexico.
Palisades
Fire, Los Angeles, 1/07/2025, 23,448 acres
Eaton
Fire, Los Angeles, 1/07/2025, 14, 021 acres,
Border 2
Fire, Los Angeles, 1/22/2025, 6,625 acres
(Source: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents)
First published in Oracle Visionary Magazine (February 2025; Wildfires In Southern California)
CAL OREY, M.A., is a
bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health,
romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in
English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books
include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws.
(Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and an electrifying co-authored sci-fi
series--The Ghost Ships to be released this winter. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website
is www.calorey.com
