California’s wildfires are outpacing last year’s record-breaking season

R&I – FS

The number of wildfires in California to date this year is greater than the amount recorded in the same time period in 2020 — a year which saw more burned acreage than any recorded year in history, according to data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Between January 1 to July 11 of this year, approximately 4,163 fires have burned in California, the department said. During the same time period in 2020, 3,645 fires were reported by the department.

“It’s now more critical than ever that all Californians are prepared for wildfires,” fire officials said.

Last season’s fires were some of the biggest that the state has ever seen, provoking thousands of evacuations, a statewide emergency order, fatalities, and dangerous air quality conditions.

And in 2021, California’s wildfire season is forecast to be even worse.

Hot and dry conditions — which contribute to wildfires — in states like California have already neared world records this year. Last week, Death Valley reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit — just four degrees shy of the hottest recorded temperature on the planet. Cities like Las Vegas broke local records with scorching temperatures as well.

RandyMarsh

Article URL : https://www.cbsnews.com/news/california-wildfires-outpacing-last-fire-season-record/