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Why did the 2020 Northern Complex Fire become one of the deadliest fires in California history?
The Northern Complex Fire emerged as one of the most destructive events of California’s 2020 wildfire season. This series of fires were triggered by lightning on August 17, 2020, and were not fully controlled until December 3, 2020. The fires burned a total of 318,935 acres of land, killing 16 people, and injuring more than 100 people. The fire's explosive spread and deadly outcome made it one of the deadliest in California history.
The cause and spread of fire
The Northern Complex Fire was initially caused by dry thunderstorms caused by moist air from Tropical Storm Fausto, which ignited 21 small fires in the Plumas and Lassen National Forests in Northern California. By September 5, all other fires except the Claremont Fire and the Bear Fire had been extinguished. The two flames merged on September 8 and rapidly expanded, posing a serious threat to surrounding communities.
On September 9, the cities of Berry Creek and Feather Falls were evacuated without warning, resulting in the entire community being almost completely destroyed.
The impact of fire
The impact of this fire is not limited to injuries and deaths, but also the deterioration of air quality. Massive amounts of smog covered large areas including Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, causing air quality to reach hazardous levels and triggering the phenomenon of "orange skies."
As the fire expanded, at least three people died and more than 2,000 buildings were destroyed.
How to combat climate change?
California Governor Newsom personally visited the fire scene on September 11 and during this period signed AB2147, a bill that allows former inmate firefighters to pursue professional firefighting careers. This trip triggered resonance and reactions from politicians and the public, especially the surge in concern about climate change. However, some local Republican lawmakers have criticized the governor's actions, saying he has failed to provide effective solutions to deal with these fires and their causes.
Some local politicians issued statements saying Newsom's comments merely diverted attention from the problem of fuel accumulation in forests, which is the root cause of these devastating fires.
Reconstruction and future challenges
Although the North Complex Fire was eventually extinguished, its impact on local communities remains. Many families have lost their homes and communities face the challenge of rebuilding. Reflection on the fires has also prompted in-depth discussions about future fire policy and climate change.
The lessons from this fire are profound. Will wildfires of this magnitude become the norm in the coming years?
