What to Know About the Wildfires in Southern California

More than eight wildfires are burning in Southern California about a month before peak wildfire season. Smoke advisories affect Los Angeles, and evacuation orders have been issued for thousands in nearby areas. Dry conditions, a spring heat wave, and strong winds have increased susceptibility to rapid fire spread and major damage. The Sandy fire in Simi Valley has led to evacuation orders for tens of thousands in Ventura County, though activity has slowed. It expanded to about 1,700 acres and was about 15 percent contained, with more than 850 firefighters working. The fire on Santa Rosa Island is the largest active blaze, nearing 17,000 acres with less than 30 percent containment, threatening endangered pine trees and forcing park staff evacuations by helicopter after a boat crash triggered flares.

"One month before the beginning of peak wildfire season in California, firefighters are already battling more than eight blazes in the southern part of the state. The fires have prompted smoke advisories in Los Angeles, led to evacuation orders for thousands of people in surrounding areas and put many people on edge less than 18 months since two devastating infernos in the region. Dry conditions in recent months, a spring heat wave and a spell of fierce winds have all combined to make Southern California more susceptible to rapid spreading and major damage."

"The Sandy fire in Simi Valley, a suburban community about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, has prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people in Ventura County since Monday, though activity has slowed. Officials said that the fire grew significantly at first and had threatened thousands of homes because of shifting winds, steep terrain and specific fire conditions created by canyons. It was about 15 percent contained on Wednesday, having spread to roughly 1,700 acres, and more than 850 firefighters continue working on it. Firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidities overnight on Tuesday."

"This fire, burning off the coast of California on Santa Rosa Island, is the largest active blaze and has increased to nearly 17,000 acres. Less than 30 percent of it has been contained. Dozens of firefighters were racing to save a grove of endangered pine trees on the island, which is part of the Channel Islands National Park. Nearly a dozen Park Service staff members were forced to evacuate by helicopter. The fire began on Friday, after a man crashed his boat on the island's rocky coast. He fired emergency flares to signal for help, which caused the wildfire."

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