What causes California Wildfires?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fontana responds to Fire Damage in Southern California

In Southern California, wildfire season peaks between July and November. The dry winds, lack of rain, and fall air create the perfect storm for wildfires to thrive. 

As we continue through fire season in California, it is important for to know what you can do to help prevent fires and protect your home or business. Throughout 2021, California has faced another dire drought situation, forcing governor Newsom to press a state of emergency in many California counties. This late summer and early fall have continued to create dangerously dry conditions.

As of September 30, 2021 42% of the state of California was facing extreme drought conditions, while 46% was facing exceptional drought conditions. Exceptional is the worst level a drought can reach. Drought combines with rising temperatures and dry wind to evaporate water sources, dry soil, and kill trees and other plantlife. In turn, conditions for wildfires become an elevated risk and precautions must be taken by those who live and work in Southern California.

No two wildfires are the same. They have different sources, speeds, damage levels, and impacts. In Southern California the drought situation combines with other factors to start fires, while the wind contributes to spreading them throughout the dry brush once plants have died and the soil has dried.

The conditions can be right for a wildfire, but an outside factor still has to be the source. Outside factors can come from nature, such as lightning, but most of our fires are results of human error or arsen. 

Many of California’s most damaging wildfires have ignited from downed power lines, sparks from car accidents or flat tires, fireworks, cigarettes, and arson. Each of these has been the source of some of the biggest fires in California’s history. 

It is important that we listen to state officials and avoid any activities that may create an elevated risk of starting these wildfires that wreak havoc on our communities. If your home or business has been struck by damaging fires this wildfire season, contact us today for an immediate response at (909) 357-4337.