This is the second year in a row that we’ve had enough rain and snow to replenish California reservoirs. But Los Angeles Fire Captain Adam VanGerpen said there’s a dark cloud under that silver lining: an increased risk of wildfires.
“All the hills that turn green, as it dries out, those all start to die,” he told KNX News’ Jon Baird. “And now there's a lot more fuel for the fire.”
There’s currently still a lot of humidity in the air, but a hot, dry summer could sap the moisture out of the grass, leaving the abundant brush one spark away from an inferno.
“The winds are the most significant thing that affects us, along with the fuel moisture and the growth of the new growth,” VanGerpen added. “So if it's hot and dry, then that fuel moisture is going to be out, and all this rain and all this new growth, if we do have significant winds, that could put us at more of a danger.”
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
As wildfire season approaches, Fire Captain Erik Scott cautioned residents to make sure their homes have adequate defensible space to protect against flying embers.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
