Fire authorities are looking into the reasons behind several wildfires that are ravaging homes and prompting mass evacuations in Southern California this Wednesday.

The Palisades Fire began around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, consuming thousands of acres near the coastal towns of Santa Monica and Malibu. Later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Eaton Fire ignited in Altadena, close to Pasadena, and quickly spread to over 10,000 acres. A smaller fire, called the Hurst Fire, started around 10:30 p.m. in Sylmar, located in the San Fernando Valley northwest of downtown Los Angeles, burning roughly 500 acres.

The origin of all three fires is still being examined by Cal Fire. However, the strong Santa Ana winds are believed to be a significant factor in their rapid escalation.

“The mix of low humidity, dry vegetation, and shifting winds has increased the likelihood of spot fires and fast spreading,” Cal Fire stated in an update.

Prior to the fires igniting, the National Weather Service had issued its highest warning level for severe fire conditions across much of Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles weather service warned on Monday that wind gusts could hit 100 mph in specific areas this week, leading to “extreme fire activity” wherever fires break out.

“This is a particularly hazardous situation – in essence, conditions are as severe as they can get for fire hazards,” the Los Angeles weather service cautioned on Monday. “Stay alert and be prepared to evacuate, especially if you are in a high-risk fire zone. Handle fire sources with care.”

What leads to wildfires?

A wildfire is an uncontrollable fire that occurs on land covered in vegetation and can be initiated by natural or human activities.

Lightning is the primary natural trigger for wildfires. In regions with higher altitudes, lightning may strike dry plants, igniting a fire that can quickly spiral out of control, especially when aided by arid winds.

In urban areas bordering wildlands, especially in Southern California, there’s a frequent occurrence of vehicles accidentally sparking fires, as explained by Luca Carmignani, a Fire Advisor at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“For instance, a truck could drag something on the road that creates sparks,” Carmignani noted. “Or a catalytic converter could also produce sparks that ignite nearby vegetation.”

Strong winds can cause power lines to sway and produce sparks that may fall onto dry grass or other plants, Carmignani mentioned. He also pointed out that improperly extinguished campfires are a common human cause of wildfires.

Is it wildfire season now?

Traditionally, wildfire season in California usually commences in July and concludes around late November to early December, as stated by Carmignani. This period features the driest conditions conducive to fire ignition and spread.

Recently, the Franklin Fire in beautiful Malibu was contained quickly, while the Mountain Fire in November burned tens of thousands of acres, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes in western Ventura County, marking it as the third most devastating wildfire in Southern California since at least 2013, according to the National Weather Service.

The Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service issued a red flag alert on Tuesday, the first of its kind in January since 2021, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“November, December, and now January—there’s no longer a defined fire season; it’s a fire year. Fires are now year-round,” California Governor Gavin Newsom remarked at a press conference.

Concerns regarding climate change

“Climate change is contributing to the increase in the size and severity of wildfires in the western U.S.,” highlights the 2023 National Climate Assessment. Rising temperatures create conditions that elevate the dangers associated with fire behavior.

Jon Keeley, a senior research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, previously shared with YSL News that climate change is not the sole factor behind the rising occurrence of large wildfires.

In California, expanding populations, more frequent fire ignitions, and the Santa Ana winds play a crucial role in wildfires, Keeley noted. These elements are currently not being significantly influenced by climate change, and he suggested that climate impact may be more pronounced in the northern part of the state compared to the south.

(This article was updated to include additional information.)