My Golden State is Burning... Why?

 TheScourge of SoCal WILDFIRES

Cal Orey, M.A.

MyGolden State is Burning…

When the Southern California wildfires ignited in thewinter of this new year, my empathy went out to all of my home state’s people,pets, wildlife, infrastructure, and our environment. I recalled when I was outin the field as a young journalist covering the deadly Oakland Firestorm. And,the recent SoCal wildfire(s) triggered flashbacks of our Northern Californiaongoing wildfires, including the Angora Fire, and Caldor Fire (it almostconsumed my hometown of South Lake Tahoe). And I will never forget my evacuationone year later; getting caught in gridlock on a mountain highway in the eye ofthe hazardous air from the Mosquito Fire.

 The fact is, wildfires are no longer just aseasonal thing. Climate change is making it a thing year-round—and SouthernCalifornia is not immune…

Once upon a time, Icalled the vibrant stretch of Hollywood Blvd. my home. My adventures led me tothe sun-kissed shores of Malibu Beach, where I indulged in the art of poolhopping, soaking up the California sun. Fate smiled upon me when I adopted awater-loving lab in sunny San Diego, who became my loyal companion. Decadeslater, I returned to Southern California on an earthquake book tour, eager torevisit the eclectic towns of Los Angeles. However, in January 2025, my heart sank as I watchedthe news of devastation wrought by relentless wildfires and fierce winds—echoesof challenges faced in my hometown in Northern California.

Here,take a real look at why my Golden State is burning, from one who speaks fromreal experience.

SO,WHO’S TO BLAME? What Caused the Recent SoCal Wildfires (January 2025), Anyhow?

Therecent wildfires in Southern California have been linked to several factors,including climate change, Santa Ana winds, and drought conditions.

THEINCONVIENENT TRUTH: Percentage Due to Not Thinning Forests

It’sdifficult to assign a specific percentage to the contribution of not thinningforests as a cause of these fires. However, forest management practices,including prescribed burns to thinning, are recognized as important forreducing intensity and spread.

WARNING:Arson and Other Causes

Someof the recent fires were attributed to arson, while others were exacerbated bythe environmental conditions.  Specificongoing investigations into each fire will provide clearer insights into theircauses.

WHERE’STHE WATER? Better Resource Management, Please!

Indeed, the Santa Anawinds, ongoing drought conditions, and the impacts of climate change areinterconnected factors to the wildfires in Southern California in 2025. Somepoliticians have suggested that the lack of water management is a big issue,implying that better water resource management could mitigate wildfire risks.However, experts including the U.S. Forest Service and California Department ofForestry and Fire Protection, argue that while water scarcity worsens droughtconditions, it isn’t the sole cause of wildfires; rather, it’s a combo ofenvironmental factors including high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strongwinds that create ideal conditions to fires to ignite and spread.

 

ALERT! MainCauses of Recent SoCal Fires

ThisCalifornia wildfires and the causes are a political debate that is nothing new.Not thinning the forests is a significant factor but not the main cause. The mishmashof extreme weather conditions (like Santa Ana winds), prolonged drought, andclimate change plays a more critical role in creating an environment conduciveto wildfires.

Asof late January, the report is at least 29 people have died in the January 2025Southern California wildfires. Meanwhile, rainfall is a threat to mudslides,and, of course, Southern California is known for its earthquakes and the BigOne is long overdue.

Sadly,as wildfires continue to regions including California, the Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, the Southwest,and Canada as well as other countries around the world,nature plays a big role. But the truth is without a doubt, while the frequency of wildfires in my Golden State worsen in the 21stcentury, both Mother Nature and mankind continue to be a threat thatcan’t be ignored.

NEWS FLASH: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAFIRE INCIDENTS

TheseJanuary 2025 wildfires are nearly contained on January 29, 2025, thanks to theheroic firefighters from Southern California, Northern California, Canada, andMexico.

PalisadesFire, Los Angeles, 1/07/2025, 23,448 acres

EatonFire, Los Angeles, 1/07/2025, 14, 021 acres,

HughesFire, Lost Angeles, 1/22/2025, 10,425 acres

Border 2Fire, Los Angeles, 1/22/2025, 6,625 acres

(Source: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents)

First published in Oracle Visionary Magazine (February 2025; Wildfires In Southern California)

CAL OREY, M.A., is abestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health,romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree inEnglish (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her booksinclude the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws.(Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, and an electrifying co-authored sci-fiseries--The Ghost Ships to be released this winter.  She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her websiteis www.calorey.com