In the large urban landscapes and the surrounding natural beauty of Los Angeles, the recent wildfires have left a scar both visible and emotional. This prompts a closer look at how these devastating events unfold.
The question on many minds is, how do wildfires start naturally? Often, it’s the silent, yet explosive lightning strikes against the backdrop of dry vegetation that ignite the flames.
But this year’s fire season has been particularly severe, highlighting not only natural causes but also the significant impact of human activity.
This article* discusses the heart of LA’s — and the world’s — wildfire crisis, exploring the origins, the spread, and the aftermath of these natural disasters.
Join us as we uncover the stories of those affected, the science behind the flames, and the strategies for moving forward.
How Do Most Wildfires Start in California?
In California, most wildfires start due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors.
Weather conditions play a pivotal role; the state’s dry, hot summers paired with high winds create an ideal environment for fire spread.
Naturally, lightning strikes ignite many fires, but human activities are also significant contributors.
Arson, discarded cigarettes, and sparks from power lines or machinery are common culprits.
Also, the importance of forest management cannot be overstated. Proper management through controlled burns, clearing underbrush, and maintaining forest health can significantly reduce fuel for fires.
Effective forest management reduces the risk of wildfires by decreasing the amount of dry vegetation that can act as kindling.
This controls the potential for fires to spread rapidly under adverse weather conditions. Without these proactive measures, the state remains vulnerable to devastating fire seasons.
Wildfire Fire Requirements
Wildfire fire requirements include three main elements:
Fuel
Such as dry vegetation.
Oxygen
Which is abundant in the atmosphere.
Ignition Source
Like lightning strikes or human activity, to start and sustain the blaze.
How Fast Do Wildfires Spread?
Wildfires can spread at alarming rates, often propelled by strong winds, terrain, and available fuel. Speeds can exceed 14 mph under certain conditions.
How do natural wildfires start? They often ignite from lightning strikes, igniting dry vegetation. Once started, the fire can leap from tree to tree or across landscapes, especially in windy, dry conditions, leading to rapid expansion.
This spread is exacerbated by dense underbrush and high winds, making containment challenging.
How Long Does a Forest Fire Last?
The duration of a forest or wild fire varies significantly. Some fires burn out within hours, while others can persist for weeks or even months.
Long term, fires like the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire have shown that under the right conditions, with ample fuel and persistent weather challenges, they can last for extended periods, sometimes months.
These fires are particularly challenging to control, requiring extensive resources and time to fully extinguish all hotspots.
The Power of Preparedness
Ensure your family is protected in the face of unexpected challenges with our Disaster Preparedness Guide.
Topics Include:
— Family Communication Plan
— Evacuation Plans
— Care for Pets
— Weather Monitoring
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How Do Firefighters Contain Wildfires?
Containing wildfires is a complex and often perilous task that requires strategic planning and a variety of techniques from wildland firefighters.
Here’s how they manage to control these natural disasters.
1. Direct Attack
When conditions allow, firefighters might engage the fire directly. This involves using water hoses, axes, or shovels to douse flames or clear away vegetation.
This method is most effective early in a fire’s life when it’s still small.
How Do Fire Planes Pick Up Water?
Fire planes, or water bombers, scoop up water from nearby lakes, rivers, or reservoirs while flying low.
They use special equipment called scoops or belly tanks that open to collect water as they skim the surface. Once filled, they quickly ascend to drop water on wildfires.
How Do Fire Planes Pick Up Water?
Fire planes, or water bombers, scoop up water from nearby lakes, rivers, or reservoirs while flying low.
They use special equipment called scoops or belly tanks that open to collect water as they skim the surface. Once filled, they quickly ascend to drop water on wildfires.
How Do Firefighters Contain Wildfires?
Containing wildfires is a complex and often perilous task that requires strategic planning and a variety of techniques from wildland firefighters.
Here’s how they manage to control these natural disasters.
1. Direct Attack
When conditions allow, firefighters might engage the fire directly. This involves using water hoses, axes, or shovels to douse flames or clear away vegetation.
This method is most effective early in a fire’s life when it’s still small.
2. Indirect Attack
In cases where direct confrontation is too dangerous or the fire too large, they create firelines. These are barriers cleared of all flammable material where the fire cannot cross easily.
This involves digging trenches or using heavy machinery to remove vegetation, creating a path devoid of fuel.
3. Use of Fire Retardants
Aerial support is crucial, especially for large fires. Planes and helicopters drop fire retardants — chemicals that slow or halt the spread of fire by coating vegetation.
These retardants work by either chemically interrupting the combustion process or by providing a thermal barrier, reducing the fire’s ability to ignite new fuel.
4. Backburning
Sometimes, firefighters intentionally start small, controlled fires in front of the main fire.
This method, known as backburning, removes the fuel in the path of the wildfire, effectively starving it as it reaches this preburned area.
5. Mop-Up
After the main fire is under control, the mop-up phase begins. Here, firefighters ensure all hotspots are extinguished to prevent reignition.
This can be labor-intensive, involving digging into the ground to find and douse smoldering roots or stumps.
Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines
Wildfire guidelines are crucial for ensuring safety when fires threaten communities.
1. Stay informed by tuning into local news or emergency alerts for evacuation notices. It’s essential to have an evacuation plan which includes multiple escape routes, as fires can unpredictably block roads.
2. When an evacuation is ordered, leave immediately; don’t wait to see if the fire changes direction. Gather important items, including medications, important documents, and pets. If time allows, shut off gas and electricity to prevent hazards.
3. Avoid driving through smoke-filled areas where visibility is poor. If you’re caught in traffic, don’t abandon your vehicle; it can serve as a temporary shelter. Remember, your life is irreplaceable; material possessions can be replaced.
4. Follow all instructions from local authorities to maximize your safety during a wildfire evacuation.
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
This is your roadmap on how to survive a wildfire, especially when minutes count. This checklist ensures you’re prepared to leave quickly and safely when a wildfire threatens.
Ensure you have clothing appropriate for the weather and sturdy shoes.
Include items for pets, like carriers, food, and water.
Pack a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates, and spare batteries.
Don’t forget personal hygiene items, first-aid supplies, and any special needs items for infants or the elderly.
Charge all electronic devices, and have chargers or a portable power bank.
Keep your car fueled and ready to go with an evacuation route map.
Secure your home by closing windows, doors, and vents to minimize ember entry.
How To Prevent Wildfires
Preventing wildfires involves proactive measures from individuals and organizations like the Forest Service. One effective strategy is the use of prescribed fires, which are controlled burns intended to reduce excess vegetation that could fuel wildfires.
These burns help manage wildfire risks by clearing out underbrush and dead wood, creating a less combustible environment. On a personal level, never leave campfires unattended, properly dispose of cigarettes, and maintain machinery to prevent sparks.
Community education on fire safety and adherence to burn bans during high-risk periods are also crucial steps in wildfire prevention.
Understanding how wildfires start involves recognizing both natural phenomena and human influences. Through personal vigilance, adherence to local regulations, and support for wildland firefighters, we can all create an environment for fire to spread less destructively.
Next Steps
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based nonprofit organization with a long history of responding to disasters. This has included helping communities recover after major wildfires.
On August 8, 2023, wildfires in Maui proved to be some of the most deadly in U.S. history. Thousands of people were displaced from their homes.
Convoy brought in food, water, and other resources to serve nearly 17,000 people. Similarly, Convoy served two communities in New Mexico dealing with fires in 2024.
To see Convoy of Hope’s recent response to the LA Wildfires, watch the video above.
In 2025, the historic Los Angeles fires were met with a rapid and long-term response. Convoy served more than 55,000 people in 12 communities and distributed more than 1 million pounds of resources.
Help those affected by the disasters around the world today!
*This article is not intended to provide expert advice regarding matters of preparedness. The information/material provided is intended for informational purposes only. No information/material in this article is intended to substitute for professional advice, personal responsibility, or personal research. Carefully evaluate your personal situation and seek expert advice when needed.
