As multiple wildfires burn out of control in Southern California there is a little good news: the Santa Ana winds have died down somewhat, enough to give firefighters a chance to gain on the flames. More than anything else, it’s the dry, hot Santa Ana winds coming in from the interior that fuel the fires.

When the winds are whipping in at 80 mph it’s too dangerous to fly retardant- or water-dropping aircraft in high winds, which are also likely to blow any such drops off target.

What’s different about the Santa Ana winds this year is the above-average number of wind days this fall and winter. More than drought or heat, these hot winds determine fire danger. There were 14 Santa Ana days — more than twice the norm — in October when the Canyon 2 fire in Orange County burned dozens of buildings. December typically brings 10 Santa Ana days. By the end of the week, the region will already have been hit by six of them. L.A.’s fire chief estimates these destructive fires could rage for weeks.

 

 

 

About The Author

CEO/FOUNDER

Evan Hosie has worked as a Women's Lifestyle editor/writer (expert in the beauty and fashion vertical); created the Pop Culture section for Radaronline.com; never met a gadget she didn't want, and spends waaaaay too much time on Social Media.

Related Posts