Earth to Dana:
In this issue, I will discuss the California wildfires and what can be done to prevent fires from starting as well as what can be done to help aid those affected by the fires.
Wildfires are nothing new to the state of California and have been an ongoing battle of the state for years. However, given the current circumstances of Coronavirus, climate change and record breaking heat, this year’s fire season is set to be our worst season to date.
Currently, there are approximately thirty wildfires ravaging California. Cal Fire estimates that 2.2 million acres have burned thus far making it the largest amount of acres burned on record to date. These fires have resulted in poor air quality, 5,875 structures have burned and ten people have lost their lives.
The increasing severity of wildfire seasons in California is correlated to both climate change which results in hotter summers and drier vegetation that only requires one spark to ignite. The only way to prevent these record breaking wildfire seasons is to reverse climate change, which can be done by lowering global greenhouse gas emissions, using reusable energy or focusing on your carbon footprint. By doing this it decreases the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and thus lowers the heat that is faced by California and the world.
In order to lower the amount of wildfires in California, take the following precautions: First, make sure that all bonfires and barbecues are done in safe areas that are away from any sort of vegetation or anything else that is easily flammable. Second, refrain from using fireworks until the season is over or the season gets better, it will help prevent any sort of accident occurring (most types of fireworks are illegal in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel regardless).Third, do not park or place cars, tools, or anything with an engine over or next to dry vegetation as it will likely result in a fire. Fourth, do not throw cigarette buds onto the ground as they could ignite any surrounding dry vegetation. Lastly, please do not throw any gender reveal parties that use a device will ignite a wildfire, just pop a balloon or something.
As for directly helping the wildfires there are different voluteeneer groups you can join or can donate to, to help aid families and firefighters through this difficult season. Anything done to help aid the fires is a step towards a safer California so if you have the means or opportunity to do so please act. Please visit Cal Fire for more information regarding the fires or other resources in relation to the fire.