Despite Recent Rain, Southern California Still Faces Fire Danger

360Bulletin – Dec 2 – Although Southern California has seen some rain in recent weeks, the region remains at risk for destructive wildfires. With the rainy season off to a slow start and fuel moisture levels hovering near critical thresholds, experts warn that conditions are ripe for fires, especially as the Santa Ana wind season approaches.

Rainfall Not Enough to Reduce Fire Threat

While rainfall has helped moisten vegetation temporarily, the warm weather expected to continue into mid-December will dry out much of that moisture. This drying effect, combined with critically low live fuel moisture levels of around 60% to 65% in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, means the risk of wildfires remains high.

Santa Ana Winds: A Dangerous Factor

The biggest concern is the arrival of the Santa Ana wind season, which peaks from December through February. These strong, dry winds can fuel fast-moving, wind-driven wildfires that are notoriously difficult to control. Such conditions remind many of the devastating Thomas Fire, which erupted on Dec. 4, 2017, and burned well into January before rain helped extinguish it.

California’s 2024 Fire Season in Perspective

So far, over 1 million acres have burned across California in 2024, aligning with the five-year average. However, 2,077 structures have been lost—a tragic toll, though far less severe than in 2018, when 100 lives were lost and over 24,000 structures were destroyed.

Northern California’s Relief

There is some positive news: Recent storms in Northern California have brought significant rainfall, effectively ending the fire season in that part of the state. However, Southern California remains vulnerable until more substantial rainfall arrives.

Ongoing Vigilance Required

While fire officials often remind the public that fire season is year-round, it is the moisture levels in vegetation that truly dictate fire risk. Until more consistent rainfall raises fuel moisture levels, the potential for destructive wildfires will remain a serious concern in Southern California.

Residents are urged to stay alert and prepared as fire danger persists, particularly with the arrival of the Santa Ana winds.

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