Sponsor
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Climate & Environment

This Year's Fire Season Set To Be Most Destructive In California History

The sun is seen behind smoke from the Bobcat fire rising above in the Angeles National Forest above Duarte, California, about 27 miles northeast of Los Angeles, September 7, 2020.
California's fire season is on track to burn the most land in recorded state history.
(
Robyn Beck
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.

Here's some unsettling news: California is on track to surpass last year's fire season, which burned the most land in recorded state history.

Most of the destruction this year has been in Northern California, where several fires are burning.

They include the Dixie Fire, covering four counties, that has grown into the state's largest single wildfire in modern times.

Southern California has lucked out so far this year, with comparatively little in the way of destructive wildfires.

Sponsor

But we're heading into another high-pressure situation, literally and figuratively.

The National Weather Service says building high pressure is leading to a warming trend and elevated fire weather conditions for inland areas Tuesday through Saturday.

On top of that, monsoonal moisture is creating a chance for thunderstorms in the mountains and deserts through Wednesday.

Sure, some rain there would be nice, but keep in mind that it was a series of lightning strikes a year ago across seven northern counties that sparked blazes that merged into the August Complex, which remains the state's largest-ever wildfire overall.

At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Chip in now to fund your local journalism

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right