- Red flag warnings were issued for parts of the state.
- Preventive power outages are possible.
- The state hasn't yet hit the usual peak of fire season.
Parts of California are bracing for another round of dangerous fire weather that could bring more flames, smoke, power outages and pollution and put further strain on exhausted first responders who've already battled dozens of major wildfires for weeks.
The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings – the highest level of alert – from Saturday through Monday across a swath of Northern California that stretches from Redding down into higher terrain around Napa Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. The forecast includes potentially record-breaking highs, windy conditions and low humidity, all of which can spark new wildfires or cause existing ones to spread.
Pacific Gas & Electric, the state's largest utility, warned that public safety power outages might be necessary to prevent fires caused by downed or sparking power lines and other infrastructure. The utility said such outages could start Saturday in Butte County and other areas around Lake Oroville.
(MORE: Northwest Getting Much-Needed Rain, But Then, Another Heat Wave Moves in)
Kristine Roselius, a spokesperson for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, said the smoke, pollution and heat pose a "triple whammy" threat to air quality in the Bay area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
"Try to limit outdoor activities and exertion so you're not breathing in more unhealthy air," Roselius said.
The region was shrouded in smoke earlier this month after an outbreak of fires during a Labor Day heat wave. The air quality index reached hazardous levels on several days, and in some areas was even higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency measures.
Friday's air quality was mostly good to moderate, but Roselius said that could change quickly given the forecast. The air quality district issued an advisory to warn people that winds could carry smoke back to parts of the area over the weekend. Moderate air quality was forecast for Sunday.
"That wind is what we're concerned about bringing some smoke from the August Complex into the north bay and the east bay," Charley Knoderer, a meteorologist for the district, said in a video update.
The August Complex is the largest fire ever recorded in California. As of Friday, the blaze had scorched more than 1,350 square miles, destroyed 86 buildings and killed at least one person, according to Cal Fire. It was 40% contained.
(MORE: Coronavirus Is Changing the Way Wildfires Are Fought)
The August Complex is just one of 25 major fires burning across the state. Since Aug. 15, fires have killed 26 people and burned 6,900 homes, businesses and other structures.
Fall is typically the worst time of year for California wildfires, but this season started early and with the August series of record-breaking blazes.
"There are another two months of drama ahead," climatologist Bill Patzert told the Los Angeles Times. "If you think the season is bad now, just wait."
The fires and smoke have closed schools, shut down businesses and blocked access to recreation areas.
Nine national forests – Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, Inyo, Klamath, San Bernardino, Sequoia, Sierra and Six Rivers – remain closed.
The risk of wildfire remains above normal for the rest of September across much of the West, including Washington and Oregon, which have also been under siege by massive fires in recent weeks.
1 of 202
Blue Ridge Hot Shots crew members from Arizona join forces with California firefighters from Northern and Southern California on a backfire operation North of Mt. Wilson on Angeles Crest Highway. Firefighters continue to battle the Bobcat Fire as it continues to burn on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
"triple" - Google News
September 26, 2020 at 04:51AM
https://ift.tt/30rbeUv
California Braces For Increased Fire Threat, 'Triple Whammy' of Smoke, Heat and Pollution - The Weather Channel
"triple" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3dc0blF
https://ift.tt/2WoIFUS
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "California Braces For Increased Fire Threat, 'Triple Whammy' of Smoke, Heat and Pollution - The Weather Channel"
Post a Comment