Western State Wildfires

In August 2020, lightning contributed to several fires throughout California, Oregon, and Washington and continuing with additional ignitions through early September. More than 4.6 million record-breaking acres have burned by over 100 fires fueled by dry terrain, hot temperatures, and strong winds. At least 35 people have been killed with more missing, thousands of firefighters have been called to help, and towns have been evacuated and burned.

Background

In 2019 and extending into 2020, record dry weather concerned the Western United States with California declaring a state of emergency on March 22nd from a mass die-off of trees increasing the chances for wildfires. Severe droughts persisted throughout the states, with initial wildfires beginning in April in Washington. Fire season was declared in July in Oregon by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Their season began with a brush fire burning 3,337 acres in Chelan County. In mid-August, Northern California reached record-breaking hot temperatures followed by lightning storms which set off wildfires.

Wind Contributions

Almost half of the top 20 California wildfires are from the 2020 season. September record-breaking heatwaves with Diablo and Santa Ana winds contributed to additional fires and increasing the power and size of active fires. On September 7th, high winds contributed to 80 more fires and 300,000 acres burned in a single day making it a “historical fire event.”

Impact

In Oregon throughout the year, 1 million acres have burned, killing 8 people, destroying 1,145 homes, and 579 structures. In Washington, 800,000 acres, 195 homes, and 418 structures have all burned. In California, 3.3 million acres burned from the fires in 2020, along with 4,200 structures, and killing 25 people.

Air pollution and quality from smoke has been so bad that places were closed in Oregon, and lasting several days and weeks. Red skies have also appeared across the Western States from the smoke blocking light infraction. Potentially millions of birds have been affected by the smoke and have either died or altered migration patterns.

Forensic Engineering Specialists

Engineering Specialists Inc. has nearly 30 years of field experience in analyzing the damage to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. We can work on any project in any state, nationwide. When you or your business needs to confirm the extent of damage or how to correct a problem, email us at office@esinationwide.com or call us, toll-free, at (877) 559-4010.