Fires in California
Firesin California
30 September 2005
GFMC summary
During the months September through October fire season is fully underway due to extreme dry conditions after a hot summer and due to upcoming Santa Ana winds, a high pressure system, blowing from the inland desert regions to the coast and keeping temperatures high. Big fires can be observed in California annually around these dates, caused by a combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry vegetation conditions.
Several heavy blazes raged through southern California, fed by strong winds and affecting important freeways around the city of Los Angeles. At least 2.000 ha of land were affected by the fires in the San Fernando Valley about 50 km north of Los Angeles. Huge smoke columns covered the area while several homes had to be evacuated. At least one home was destroyed by the flames. According to the authorities fire risk is very high this year due to an unusual amount of precipitation during the winter that caused an accumulation of fuels in the area.
See also
Current news from the media:
-
Fires burn over 2,700 acres as winds blow in Southland (published by www.thedesertsun.com, 29 September 2005)
-
Voraces incendios forestales en el norte de Los Angeles (published by www.voanews.com, 29 September 2005)
-
Incendios forestales provocan evacuaciones en los alrededores de Los Angeles (published by www.clarin.com, 29 September 2005)
Some visual impressions of the fires in southern California:
Latest satellite scenes:
AQUA
28 September 2005
16:40 hrs UTC
(Image courtesy MODIS)
(Source: MODIS Rapid Response Team)
(Source: OSEI-NOAA)
