California Wildfires

by Hiya, News Team Contributor

On July 29 at around 8:20 pm, a 2-acre brush fire broke out in Livermore. There were no reports of injuries or structural damage, as the fire was quickly contained.

Living in California, we are no strangers to fires. According to a survey released by the Public Policy Institute of California, 71% of Californians voted that wildfires are more severe than any other environmental issue in California. Fires have also pervaded into politics, for 64% of the adults favor California’s state government creating their own legislation to deal with global warming. From the terrifying Camp to Holy to the Livermore fires, we continue to be wary of the slightest blaze in this fire-prone state.

Although California is predominantly a dry state, these fires are hardly “natural”; humans’ actions have made it more susceptible to fires at every step. In fact, Vox magazine states that 84% of fires have been unknowingly ignited by humans. Last Monday’s Livermore fire was caused by a vehicle accident over the embankment.  As of now, urban development over fire-prone forests and areas with dry vegetation drastically increase California’s risks of disaster. 2018 stood out to weather experts because of the mammoth amount of lives and structures they’ve brought down and the environmental effects they’ve had on our state.

According to AP news, only 22% of the 27 communities affected by Camp Fire had a public fire safety plan. Fortunately, here’s a list of standard safety procedures to keep in your home and in the front of your mind in case of a fire in your home or area. Ask your local fire department for a larger, more encompassing plan specifically suited to your area.

AP News  Vox  PPIC  Pleasanton Patch Article

Image- Last Monday’s fire on Mendelhall road, just south of Livermore. Source: Pleasanton Patch