Why is it difficult to fight wildfires in California?

Answer 1

Since there are obviously no fire hydrants in a forest, it is more difficult to fight wildfires. Tanker trucks can't be driven in because of all the trees and lack of roads. The trees, brush, and leaves provide ideal fuel for the fire because they are so flammable.

Answer 2

We have years of brush in the hillsides, the areas are built with homes, and access is often makes it hard to get to the fires. Right now, we are in a third year of drought so the trees and plants are dried out so it doesn't take much to set them off. The higher elevations are also dried out and when the fires get going they are hard to put out. Winds and weather also add to the problems. Add it all together we have a mess in CA. Also, the city of Los Angeles receives less than 15 inches of rainfall each year.

Answer 3

The biggest problem with forest fires is the wind and if you are fighting a forest fire then the wind picks up it will carry up the ashes and they will fly and land on dry particles and it will light the dry spot and it will burn again.

Answer 4

It is almost ALWAYS dangerous to put out forest fires. Specially trained and equipped firefighters know how to do it safely.

Fires can cause homes, vehicles and other property to be damaged. Fires can cause injuries to people and animals caught in the heat and smoke. Forest fires can cause heavy trees to fall on roads and powerlines, blocking evacuation or preventing access by firefighters.

Some firefighters are trapped by wildfires that move faster than they can react to get to safety. Many firefighters die every year in forest fire incidents, but most of them are related to the physiological stress of heat and exertion, or traffic accidents related to the firefighting efforts.

Answer 5

The damage is in the cost of the trees, homes and people displaced. The cost of paying firefighters and the land that has lost its' covering can wash away in mudslides.