A new wildfire-risk map in the Bay Area, developed with NASA imagery, shows where vegetation is most likely to produce embers that threaten homes during high winds and low humidity. Residents like Lars Guntvedt from Aldercroft Heights are reassessing their home's safety measures after learning more about ember risks, especially in light of past fire disasters. The map emphasizes the importance of understanding ember threats, as they can ignite fires far from the main blaze, a fact underscored by experts from local fire research centers.
Recent firestorm catastrophes, including the deadly 2017 razing of Santa Rosa suburb Coffey Park after bits of burning debris from the Tubbs Fire floated over six lanes of Highway 101, and the devastating Los Angeles fires earlier this year have highlighted the role of embers in dramatically speeding and spreading wildfires.
The ember-risk map made residents consider additional hardening of their houses to protect against potential wildfires, emphasizing its relevance in high-risk areas.
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