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First Fatality Reported in California’s Devastating Wildfire Season, 5 Times More Acres Burned Than Average – EcoWatch

“California Wildfires: A Devastating Reality in 2024”

California officials discovered human remains in a burned Mendocino County home on July 8, marking the state’s first death in what has been a devastating 2024 wildfire season. The victim, believed to be 66-year-old Dagmar Stankova, was last seen trying to extinguish flames outside her home with a garden hose, as reported by The New York Times.

According to Joe Tyler, director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the state has already experienced approximately 3,500 wildfires that have scorched nearly 220,000 acres this year. While the total number of wildfires is slightly below the state’s five-year average, the area burned is more than five times the average, reflecting a larger trend of worsening natural disasters exacerbated by rising temperatures.

California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The hots, we say it all the time, are getting a lot hotter.” He highlighted the unprecedented record heat and heat domes affecting the western United States, leading to repeated instances of record-breaking temperatures.

As of Thursday, the Mina Fire, which has been raging in the Los Padres National Forest near Los Olivos, California, was 97% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire, which coincided with people playing polo in the area, has been a significant challenge for firefighters due to dry conditions, high winds, and record-breaking temperatures.

The intense heat wave in June occurred during the 12th consecutive month of Earth’s global average temperature being more than 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial average, marking the hottest 12-month stretch on record. Tyler warned that California is not just in a fire season but a fire year, urging residents to prepare for wildfires by creating action plans that include escape routes, meeting points, animal arrangements, and communication strategies with family members.

The wet winter in 2023, which pulled California out of a drought, led to significant grass growth that has since dried out, contributing to the fuel for wildfires. Tyler stressed the importance of heeding evacuation warnings and orders, preparing homes to defend against advancing fires, and following the guidance of law enforcement and firefighters.

In light of the ongoing wildfire threat, California residents are advised to stay informed, prepared, and vigilant as the state continues to battle the blazes fueled by extreme weather conditions and climate change.

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