California Wildfires Rage On

On Monday night, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for numerous counties in California following devastating wildfires.

Around 30 wildfires are currently burning across California, with one thousand acres of land burning every thirty minutes. Homes, businesses and infrastructure have been destroyed, as well as historic wineries completely wiped out in the Napa Valley, decades of work being scorched to the ground.

Following three confirmed deaths in Shasta County, the Sherriff pressed people to evacuate to safety urging that, “When you get that order, evacuate immediately. Do not wait.” 70,000 people have already been forced to evacuate across California, and the additional three deaths brings the state total up to 28 for fatalities caused by wildfires this year.

In a plea to stop the fires, the Governor has also sent a letter to President Donald Trump, requesting a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, in order to help response and recovery efforts. Firefighters are working nonstop to try to contain the fires, but high temperatures and winds are making their job more difficult.

Scientists are researching into the causes of these fires, fearing that climate change is playing a big role in it. Rising temperatures means that the forests are hotter and drier more often, increasing the chances for wildfires. Despite multiple studies and clear evidence of the fires being linked to climate change, President Donald Trump believes that they’re down to poor forest management. When questioned about the rising temperatures, his reply was “it will start getting cooler, just you watch.”

Hopefully the fires will be contained soon and measures will be put in place to help prevent them in the future.