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What caused California’s Hughes Fire to rapidly increase in size?


A fast-spreading wildfire called the Hughes Fire erupted this week 45 miles northwest of Los Angeles and grew to nearly 10,000 acres in just a few hours. This fire is part of a series of catastrophic blazes that have occurred in southern California since January 7, fueled by extreme drought, lack of rain, and powerful Santa Ana winds. Southern California has not seen significant rain in nine months, leading to very dry vegetation that acts as fuel for the fires. Additionally, low humidity further dries out the vegetation, making it easier for fires to spread quickly.

These fast-moving fires have become increasingly destructive in recent years, with research showing that they have become larger and more frequent since the 1980s and 90s. Human development in fire-prone areas has introduced highly flammable fuels, contributing to the severity of wildfires. The Santa Ana winds, which push dry air from inland deserts towards the coast, further fuel these fires by drying out vegetation and carrying embers over long distances.

The Hughes Fire serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of wildfire behavior, with experts estimating losses of $20 to $30 billion from the Los Angeles wildfires. Climate change and human development are both factors contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in California, making them more difficult to control and contain.

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www.usatoday.com

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