California Wildfires: Season, Reasons, History, and Solutions 

 

California wildfires have been a part of the state's ecology for thousands of years. Wildfire season in California usually occurs during the summer and fall months, typically from June to December. This is due to a combination of factors, including high temperatures, low humidity, and high winds, which can create dry conditions that are conducive to the spread of wildfires. However, it's important to note that wildfires can occur at any time of year in California, particularly in areas with a Mediterranean climate where vegetation is dry and flammable. 

While wildfires are a natural occurrence in California, the frequency and intensity of these fires have increased in recent years, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and economic damage. In this post, we will take a closer look at the history of California wildfires, including the first registered wildfire in California, the biggest wildfires that have occurred in the state, and the methods used to prevent wildfires.

 

California Wildfires History

California's climate, geography, and vegetation create the perfect conditions for wildfires. Chaparral and grasslands - the dominant vegetation types of the state - are highly flammable, and many areas are prone to drought, which further exacerbates the risk of wildfires.

Wildfires have been a part of California's ecology for thousands of years. Native Americans used controlled burns to manage the landscape and promote the growth of certain plant species. However, with the arrival of European settlers, the frequency and intensity of wildfires increased. Settlers brought with them livestock, which overgrazed the land, leaving it more susceptible to fires. They also suppressed wildfires, which allowed fuel to build up over time, leading to larger and more destructive fires.
 

The first registered wildfire in California

The first recorded wildfire in California occurred in 1889. The Santiago Canyon Fire became the earliest known wildfire recorded in California's history, burning around 300,000 acres across Orange, San Diego, and Riverside counties. It was the largest wildfire in California's history in terms of acreage burned until 2018. Although no human lives were lost during the blaze, farmers' crops and thousands of sheep were destroyed. The fire was caused by humans and was fueled by severe drought and high winds, leading to intense and destructive conditions. It is worth noting that California's official fire records date back to only 1932, with the Matilija Fire being the most notable fire during this period, burning approximately 220,000 acres in Ventura County.
 

Top 10 biggest wildfires in California wildfires history

1. Dixie Fire (2021): The Dixie Fire began on July 13, 2021, and rapidly grew to become one of the largest wildfires in California history, burning over 960,000 acres across several counties in Northern California. The fire's cause is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been started by human activity. The Dixie Fire destroyed over 1,300 structures and caused five fatalities.

2. August Complex Fire (2020): The August Complex was a massive wildfire that burned over 1 million acres across multiple counties in Northern California in 2020. It was the largest fire in California's recorded history, and its cause was traced back to lightning strikes. The fire started on August 16, 2020, and was declared fully contained on November 15, 2020. The August Complex destroyed over 1,000 structures and caused one fatality.

3. SCU Lightning Complex Fire (2020): The SCU Lightning Complex was a series of lightning-caused wildfires that burned over 396,000 acres across several counties in Northern California in 2020. The fires were first reported on August 16, 2020, and were declared fully contained on October 3, 2020. The SCU Lightning Complex destroyed over 200 structures but caused no fatalities.

4. Creek Fire (2020): The Creek Fire was a wildfire that burned over 379,000 acres across Fresno and Madera counties in 2020. The fire's cause is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been started by human activity. The Creek Fire destroyed over 800 structures and caused one fatality.

5. LNU Lightning Complex Fire (2020): The LNU Lightning Complex was a series of lightning-caused wildfires that burned over 363,000 acres across several counties in Northern California in 2020. The fires were first reported on August 17, 2020, and were declared fully contained on October 2, 2020. The LNU Lightning Complex destroyed over 1,400 structures and caused five fatalities.

6. North Complex Fire (2020): The North Complex was a wildfire that burned over 318,000 acres across Butte, Plumas, and Yuba counties in 2020. The fire's cause is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been started by lightning strikes. The North Complex destroyed over 2,300 structures and caused 15 fatalities.

7. Mendocino Complex Fire (2018): The Mendocino Complex Fire was a massive wildfire that burned over 459,000 acres across Mendocino, Lake, and Colusa counties in 2018. It was the largest wildfire in California's history until the August Complex surpassed it in 2020. The fire started on July 27, 2018, and was not fully contained until September 18, 2018. The Mendocino Complex Fire was actually made up of two separate fires that burned in Mendocino, Lake, and Colusa counties. The Mendocino Complex Fire destroyed over 280 structures but caused no fatalities.

8. Thomas Fire (2017): The Thomas Fire was the second-largest wildfire in California history until the year 2020, burning a total of 281,893 acres. The fire started on December 4, 2017, in Ventura County and was not fully contained until January 12, 2018. The Thomas Fire destroyed over 1,000 structures and caused two fatalities.

9. Rush Fire (2012): The Rush Fire was a wildfire that burned over 315,000 acres across Lassen and Washoe counties in 2012. The fire's cause is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been started by lightning strikes. The Rush Fire destroyed over 40 structures but caused no fatalities.

10. Cedar Fire (2003): Cedar Fire was the largest wildfire in California history at the time, burning a total of 273,246 acres. The fire started on October 25, 2003, in San Diego County and was not fully contained until November 5, 2003. The Cedar Fire destroyed over 2,200 structures and caused 15 fatalities.

The intensity and frequency of wildfires are rapidly increasing. One of the reasons is climate change. You can find more information about how wildfires contribute to climate
change and solutions for preventing wildfires in our previous post.

 

How Californians Fought Wildfires in the Past

The people of California have a long history of battling wildfires that dates back to the late 1800s. Over the years, various methods have been employed to combat these natural disasters, some of which have proven to be more effective than others. Here are some of the methods that have been used in the past:

• Fire Lines: One of the earliest methods used to fight wildfires in California was the creation of fire lines. Fire lines are areas that have been cleared of vegetation, creating a gap that the fire cannot cross. These lines were typically created using shovels, rakes, and other hand tools, and were often dug in a zigzag pattern to slow the fire's progress. Firefighters would then use hoses to douse the flames on the opposite side of the line, preventing the fire from spreading further.
• Backfires: Another early method used to combat wildfires in California was the use of backfires. A backfire is a controlled burn that is set ahead of the main fire, creating a barrier that the fire cannot cross. The idea behind a backfire is that it consumes all of the fuel in its path, leaving nothing for the main fire to burn. Backfires were typically started using drip torches, which allow firefighters to control the speed and intensity of the fire.
• Aerial Water Drops: In the mid-1900s, the use of aircraft to fight wildfires became increasingly common in California. Aerial water drops involve dropping large amounts of water from planes or helicopters onto the fire, extinguishing the flames, and cooling the area to prevent re-ignition. This method is particularly effective in hard-to-reach areas, such as steep hillsides or dense forests.

 

Modern Wildfire Solutions Used for California Wildfires

Today, a combination of various strategies and technologies is being used to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires in California. While there is no one solution that can completely eliminate the risk of wildfires, these measures can help to reduce the risk and limit their impact on communities and ecosystems.

• Fuel Reduction: One of the most effective ways to prevent wildfires is to reduce the amount of fuel available to burn. This can be done by clearing dead trees and brush, thinning forests, and creating defensible spaces around homes and communities.
• Controlled Burns: In recent years, prescribed burns have become a popular method of preventing wildfires in California. A prescribed burn is a controlled burn that is intentionally set in a specific area to reduce fuel and prevent the spread of future fires. Prescribed burns are typically set during the cooler months when the risk of fire is lower and can be used to clear out underbrush and dead wood.
• Community Preparedness: Communities can also take steps to prepare for wildfires by creating evacuation plans, clearing brush and debris from around homes, and creating fire-resistant landscapes. Education campaigns and public awareness initiatives can also help to raise awareness and encourage residents to take action.
• Improved Infrastructure: Improved infrastructure, such as wider roads and more fire hydrants, can help to improve the ability of firefighters to respond to wildfires quickly and effectively.
• Technology: In the modern era, technology has played an increasingly important role in fighting wildfires in California. For example, fire crews now use GPS mapping and satellite imagery to track the spread of fires in real time, allowing them to deploy resources more effectively. Drones are also used to survey and assess the damage caused by fires, providing valuable information to firefighters on the ground.
• Early Detection: Early detection of wildfires can help prevent them from growing too large and becoming more difficult to contain. California has invested in a network of fire lookout towers, cameras, and other monitoring systems to detect wildfires as soon as possible.

For detailed information about firefighting and fire prevention technologies read our previous article. 

 

FireScout - Early Wildfire Detection Technology

In recent years, California has shifted its approach to wildfire management, focusing on prevention and mitigation. Besides implementing such strategies as prescribed burning, vegetation management, and building fire-resistant structures, the state has invested in new technologies and tools to monitor and predict wildfires.

One of those tools is an AI-based wildfire detection system. AI-based monitoring systems can analyze video footage in real-time and detect fire in its early stages. 

ALCHERA has developed an innovative solution to address the challenges faced by firefighting personnel during emergency situations - FireScout.  

One of the key strengths of FireScout is its early detection capability. The system uses cameras to quickly detect fires and smoke from fires. This enables firefighters to locate the source of the fire and take necessary actions to contain it.

Another strength of FireScout is its ability to provide real-time intelligence to first responders. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, the system processes data from video footage and provides real-time information to help firefighters make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

FireScout is also designed to be scalable, making it suitable for a variety of situations, from small fires to large-scale emergencies. This versatility makes it a solution that can be used by fire departments of all sizes.

Join FireScout to protect your land, your property, and yourself with the only 24/7 wIldfire detection solution available on the market.