California Wildfires Are Contained – Their Damage Isn’t
Did you watch newscasts during January? If so, you couldn’t have missed one story. It was the Southern California wildfires.
They dominated the news. And no wonder. Between January 7 and the end of the month, more than 300 wildfires burned 57,636 acres of land.
Santa Ana winds measuring 100 mph fanned the flames. And made battling them difficult. Drought conditions, low humidity, and a buildup of vegetation worsened the dire situation.
Seven of those fires were particularly large and destructive. Requiring firefighters to spend days containing them. At one point, 200,000 people were under evacuation orders.
The fires damaged or destroyed more than 18,189 homes, businesses, and other structures. The estimated damages totaled more than $250 billion. And, of course, there was no way to quantify the ultimate cost of 29 lives lost. More than 30 people are still missing.
There are a couple other big problems with wildfires. And they don’t end when the flames are extinguished. More on that in a moment.
Eaton & Palisades Fires Stand Out
The two deadliest fires were the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire. Seventeen people perished due to the Eaton Fire. It began in Eaton County in the Altadena-Pasadena region.
This growing fire covered 1,000 acres within six hours of starting as a brush fire. Senior citizens wearing only gowns evacuated. In wheelchairs from an assisted living building in Park Marino.
Evacuations were soon expanded in Pasadena. As well as in northern Sierra Madre and Arcadia. One medical center and several residences were engulfed in flames.
The fire, which grew to cover 10,600 acres, was finally contained on January 31.
4Patriots made a financial donation to the United Way, which was working with victims in the area. “We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by these fires,” said a spokesperson.
Like our other donations, it was only possible due to your purchases. You are the real heroes here.
Wildfires Are a National Problem
Of course, California is hardly the only state affected by fires. Wildfires occur in all 50 states. And for a variety of reasons.
Late last month, there was a downed power line in McDowell County, North Carolina. It caused three wildfires to burn more than 220 acres.
A single cigarette butt was the cause of one of the fires in northeast Wisconsin last month. As in California, dry conditions and high winds contributed to spreading the fires.
In early February, 100 acres burned in Central Texas by wildfires. Florida’s warmer and dryer than normal winter has resulted in trail fires. In Altoona, Moss Bluff, and Indian Creek.
Air Quality Takes a Big Hit
Once a wildfire dies, all is well, right? Unfortunately, no. As mentioned earlier, there are other serious problems that follow fires.
For two to five years following a wildfire, there is an increased risk of flooding. That’s because vegetation that would have soaked up or at least slowed water flows has been burned up.
Of equal concern is that wildfires affect air quality. Not only in burned areas, but in surrounding regions.
Wildfire smoke contains harmful gases and particles. They can cause plenty of problems. Including mild eye and throat irritation to serious respiratory problems.
At particular risk are those over 65 and young children. Especially adults with respiratory health issues. But wildfire smoke can affect everyone.
8 Ways to Breathe Better
So, what can the average citizen do to improve their air quality? Including indoors, where Americans spend an average of 90% of their time.
1 - Invest in an indoor air purifier. If there is impure air outside your home, it will find its way inside your home.
2 - Reduce smoke. This includes tobacco, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, incense, and candles.
3 - Keep rugs, upholstery, and bedding clean. Pollen, dust mites, and other allergens collect on and in these items. They then float back into the air upon movement.
4 - Change heat, air conditioning, and fan filters. They all collect dust (that’s their job). Dispose of them when dust collects.
5 - Dry damp areas. Mold and mildew love humidity and will form on wet surfaces. Run fans and dehumidifiers in areas of your home most prone to moisture.
6 - Keep lids on chemicals sealed and in well-ventilated areas. So that harmful fumes can escape.
7 - Open windows when outdoor air is clean. Especially when you’re cooking and even in winter.
8 - Clean your surfaces. Vacuum rugs and drapes, mop hardwood floors, and wash kitchen counters and sinks.
Wildfires will never end. But you can breathe easier by following the steps outlined above.
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- All testimonials in this advertisement are from real people; sometimes names and photos have been changed to protect their privacy and some were given free products in exchange for their honest feedback. Testimonials represent exceptional results, don't apply to the average purchaser and are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same results. The organizations, publications and people referenced on this site are not affiliated with 4Patriots. They have not endorsed, sponsored or recommended this product; no affiliation or endorsement is claimed. Terms & conditions apply. Cade Courtley is a former Navy SEAL and Platoon Commander who served 9 years of active duty and has been compensated by 4Patriots for his hard work in helping us test and endorse this product. Cade Courtley is a former Navy SEAL who served 9 years of active duty and has been compensated by 4Patriots for his hard work in helping us test and endorse products.