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On August 16, 2016 a wildfire broke out in Southern California. The wildfire, specifically located in Cajon Pass and close to San Bernardino, started off as a 5 acre fire. From shrubs lacking moisture due to low humidity and winds, the wildfire grew to 6,500 acres. From this quick spread which occurred within hours, 34,500 homes were evacuated, along with 82,000 residents. The next day, the wildfire grew to 25,000 acres, only to keep continuing. This wildfire has become known as Blue Cut. Blue Cut is not the only explosive fire which has occurred in California in this past year. Recent explosive fires include The Chimney Fire located in San Luis Obispo, The Soberanes Fire located in Monterey County (which burned 80,000 acres within two months), and The Clayton Fire located near Lower Lake. The article raises an important issue on what is currently occurring on forest lands in California due to high climates and low humidity. I find this issue important as each fire which occurs is more detrimental than the other. These fires are detrimental because they are able to spread to large acres of land, leading to the burning of trees, shrubs, and other plants along with the burning of homes, leading to homelessness for many. Though having a harmful rep, wildfire also should be looked upon in the aspect of what they allow for in the future. Wildfires allow for diseases and harmful insects to be removed, while nutrients are put back into the soil and wildfires allow for sunlight to reach these forest lands' floors, leading to the growth of new plants. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/california-fire-san-bernardino-blue-cut.html?_r=0 |