In a state already struggling with the destructive effects of climate change, the recent California fires have ignited not only flames but also fears about California’s future. Beginning on September 8th, three different fires have destroyed California homes and land. Airport Fire through Orange County, Bridge Fire through Los Angeles, and Line Fire through Inland Empire have destroyed more than 115,000 acres of luscious California land and burned about 240 structures to the ground. 

According to CBS News, the most destructive of the fires was the Bridge Fire, which became “the largest actively burning wildfire in California.” The Bridge Fire destroyed 54,795 acres and injured five through Los Angeles and San Bernardino county according to KTLA News. 

Thanks to the courageous work of the California Fire Department, all three fires have been almost completely extinguished. “Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts across the fire, securing containment lines, extinguishing isolated heat sources, and felling hazardous trees to improve public and crew safety,” the Angeles National Forest said in an update according to CBS.

Almost all mandatory evacuations have slowly been lifted throughout California with the Mile High area being the only place still under mandatory evacuation. With so many fires sparking in California every year, the question is: what does this mean for California’s residents and ecosystem?

One major effect of the countless wildfires throughout California is community displacement and destruction. In an article by CBS News, California resident Leah Potter shared, “There was no evacuation warning. We just had to run for our lives.” The constant threat of fires causes residents to live in panic, fearful for their lives and homes every year.

Additionally, U.S. Forest Service officials announced that “several roads and recreational areas within the Angeles National Forest including in Mt. Baldy, Wrightwood, and East Fork will remain closed through the end of this year to help recover the landscape.” Fires ruin beautiful areas California residents and tourists enjoy all year long.

With the destruction of beloved California woodlands, the ecology of California is also dismantled. USDA News explained that wildfires, “can convert entire forests to grasses and shrubs where wildlife, dependent on native forests, can no longer survive.” California wildlife and ecosystem rely on the fertile land and diversity which is destroyed by wildfires that displace animals and ruin soil.

The health of citizens is also threatened because of air and water pollution because of extreme wildfires. Western Fire Chief Association shared that, “Fires produce smoke and greenhouse gasses that impact the quality of the air for the worse… [they] can cause issues in your respiratory and cardiovascular systems causing problems such as asthma and heart failure.”

As the Bridge Fire settles, leaving dust and ruin in its wake, citizens are increasingly worried about the constant threat of wildfires and the consequences they have on the California landscape. These threats are just a daily reminder to California’s and all US citizens to open their eyes about the disastrous effects that climate change has on our beautiful homeland.