Wildfires Expected to Continue Threatening California in the Near-Future

At least seven people have died from a series of wildfires in California sparked by a mid-August shift in weather that’s created dangerous conditions for the state, with no end in sight. California has experienced more than 13,000 lightning strikes since August 15, creating over 600 wildfires that have burned over 1875 square miles of land. About 170,000 Californians remain evacuated in the wake of these fires, according to Cal Fire, the state’s department of forestry and fire protection. The department continues to warn residents to be prepared to leave their homes quickly if conditions change, as well as urging evacuees to stay out of evacuated areas that could still be dangerous. Looters have become a potential risk for citizens and fire fighters responding to the blaze. Eight looting-related arrests have been made in Santa Cruz County, where the perpetrators have been a mix of neighbors and opportunists from outside the area. In response to the wildfires, the Congressional Research Service has released “2020 Wildfire Season: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources” to assist businesses and citizens who have been impacted by wildfires on nonfederal lands. This document provides a high-level overview and links to relevant programs and utilities that may be impacted by these fires should consider reviewing it. Read more at USA Today.