Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
LOS ANGELES -- A winter wildfire in southern California is turning into one of the most devastating disasters in recent history of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Multiple wildfires broke out Tuesday in Los Angeles County, exacerbated by hurricane-force winds that continued into Wednesday. The largest fire, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of the city, has grown to more than 2,900 acres. The second largest fire, in Pasadena, has consumed 2,200 acres. Already, more than 80,000 people have been forced to evacuate due to the blazes, which have left at least two people dead.
Such fires were once highly unusual so early in the year. However, the effects of climate change, from higher global temperatures to increased drought conditions, have increased the likelihood of extreme weather events and raised the risk of unnaturally large and more dangerous fires across the country
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous issued the following statement.
“These fires have taken lives and destroyed homes, livelihoods, and landscapes. We are holding those affected by this disaster close in our hearts and appreciate the first responders who are bravely working to contain the fires. It is essential that federal and state authorities continue to provide these communities with all the resources and support they need to recover and heal.
“Barely a week into the new year, and fire season is here. This is not normal. Time and again, we are witnessing climate change heighten extreme weather, making wildfires increasingly common and increasingly destructive. We cannot be passive. We cannot elevate misinformation about what is needed to confront the worsening crisis. Leaders must take the action necessary to fund and support the home hardening efforts that make our communities resilient.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.