What is the history of wildfires in California?

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Wildfires are not only natural but they help keep forests healthy and help renewed growth. However, wildfires, appear to have become more intense in recent history, particularly in places such as California, where the weather is often dry in many parts of the state. Looking at the history of wildfires, reasons as to why they have become more destructive become clear.

Early Record of California Wildfires

The archaeological and ecological record in California reveal a long history of wildfires in the state of California. In a study looking at pre-1800 wildfires, almost 1.8 million hectares were estimated to burn annually in California. This is about the level that has burned as of early October 2020. Scientists estimate that the summer and autumn seasons were often filled with smokey skies of burning forests.[1]

Twentieth Century Wildfires

Recent Wildfires

Summary

References

  1. Stephens, S.L., Martin, R.E., Clinton, N.E., 2007. Prehistoric fire area and emissions from California’s forests, woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands. Forest Ecology and Management 251, 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.06.005