West Coast Wildfires: A Threat to Us All

Grades 6-8Science

Dec 14

Written By Meera Bhakta- CuriouSTEM Staff

Imagine waking up to panic. Screams ring through your ears as you peek out the window to see people running in fear as a giant inferno approaches. Everyone knew that it was coming, but the evacuation was planned for later that week. You grab your half-packed bag, hop into the car with your family, and drive hours until you get to a safer location. Hungry, you all decide to stop at a restaurant. Looking up as you eat, you see in bright red letters across the TV: DESTRUCTION HITS COUNTIES, THOUSANDS EVACUATED, SOME DEAD. You blink back tears knowing your home has been destroyed and your life there is over!

Whether you live along the west coast of the United States or not, you have likely heard about the common wildfires that spread throughout that region, destroying not only homes but also everything else in sight including humans and animals. Currently, wildfires have become incredibly prominent amongst states along the USA’s west coast like California, but they are extremely common in many forested areas of Canada, the USA, and Australia. Wildfires are also associated with “fire seasons” that typically range from summer to fall in the US but range from August to December in many other locations.

A common misconception about these wildfires is that they are always natural, so they should not be regulated. However, research has shown that over the past 30 years, climate change has actually contributed to double the amount of land being burnt through wildfires. This cause is reinforced as fires are often a result of dry and hot weather. As global warming and climate change continue to increase, the number of wildfires will rapidly go up as well. This prompts the question, what can be done to help? Although reducing global warming and climate change may seem like a daunting task to tackle, there are many small things someone can do to make a big impact. For example, joining missions (like Climate Generation) that work to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful chemicals in the air can allow you to fight climate change while connecting with other adolescents who support the mission as well! If you want to do something within your school, consider creating a “Climate Change towards Anti-Deforestation” club where you can educate your peers on the effects of climate change and host volunteer events to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases in your community!

While climate change is a major cause of wildfires, some wildfire advocates argue that wildfires are always good because they are beneficial to ecosystems. This is not completely wrong. Historically, occasional fires have been a method of replenishing unhealthy soil. They can be largely beneficial in ecosystems by also clearing space and providing a new area for life to continue. However, problems arise when wildfires cannot be contained - regardless of whether they are natural or unnatural. It is important to remember that although natural wildfires are beneficial, they are not worth the deaths of people nor the destruction of thousands of acres of property. A good way to help regulate the spread of wildfires is to reduce wildfire fuel. This can be done by leaving at least half a mile from the end of wildfire-prone forested areas to the beginning of communities and developed areas. Cutting down the number of trees altogether may seem like an acceptable method as well, but trees are still very important to humans as they provide us with oxygen and a variety of resources, so it is not the best solution.

Even if you do not live in an area like California which is prone to wildfires, you should still know what to do in the event of one. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous, and they can last for long periods of time. Just recently, the West Coast fires have been destroying land and property since August. More than 4 million acres of land have been destroyed, and thousands of people have died or been evacuated. You should have safety plans created with your guardians for all dangerous situations, including wildfires. If you do not, talk to them about creating one. Generally, in the event of a wildfire, you should do your best to quickly evacuate your home. Reference https://www.readyforwildfire.org/ for specific instructions. Try to have a bag prepared with foods and other essential goods to hold you over if you find yourself stranded while escaping the fire. Wear long clothes that are 100% cotton and goggles if you can. Take any pets with you, and remember, no object is more important than your life!