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June 1, 2021  |  By Ben Ivers

West Coast Wildfire Sunset

West Coast Wildfire Sunset Live

Moon - No Conservation Status

In 2020 more than 10.1 million acres of land were burned in California

At first, I had no idea that I was looking at a wildfire sunset when the sun caught my eye the night that I took this photo. It was the middle of September in Indiana, and it had been a day with mostly clear skies. I had just finished up dinner when I noticed that the sun wasn’t a color that I had ever seen before nor was it given its typical luminescence to the sky as it set. That’s when it hit me, I was seeing the effects of the smoke that had traveled nearly 2,000 miles across the country from wildfires in California.

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The wildfire sunset photographed here is a reminder that climate change is real and that its effects are widespread. In 2020 more than 10.1 million acres of land were burned in California. This included 5 of the 20 largest wildfires that the state has ever seen. Washington state experienced its second biggest wildfire season ever recorded with more than 1,851 reported fires. 80% of all fires in the state were caused by humans. In Oregon more than 1.2 million acres burned. Just like Washington, Oregon experiences their second worst wildfire season to date.

As these fires raged, the smoke was seen across the country. Places as far east as New York and New Jersey were experiencing the smoke from these fires. T the western states of the U.S.A. recognize a fire season from May through October, but the effects of climate change are causing that season to be even longer. Some scientists now say that fire season should be considered year-round.

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Much of the reason that fire season is now nearly year-round and more intense is due to climate change. Since the 1880s, the Earth has heated by nearly 1.2 degrees Celsius. In California, the change is even more severe. Last year California was 2.8 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1951-1980 average in August. The increased temperature takes away more of the moisture from vegetation and the soil leaving it more susceptible to wildfires. Some models show that even a one degree Celsius change in average annual temperature will result in 600% more acres burned. To make the problem worse, the higher temperatures make it easier for the fires to spread.

A one degree Celsius change in average annual temperature will result in 600% more acres burned

If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave

Given to the fact that nearly 90% of wildfires are caused by humans, that means there is something that all of us can do. According to Smokey Bear there are four steps to campfire safety.

  1. Pick a level spot that is 15 feet away from flammable items and avoid fires in dry or windy conditions.
  2. Clear a 10-foot diameter around your site. If a fire pit or ring are not available, dig a one fit hole and line it with rocks.
  3. Have a source of water and a shovel nearby. Keep the fire small and under control.
  4. Don’t burn trash or hazardous items like aerosol cans that might explode. Allow your fire to extinguish completely and pour lots of water on the fire. If you don’t have water, stir sand or dirt into the embers with a shovel. Remove embers from remaining sticks and logs.

Remember: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

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Although the sky was uniquely beautiful, I don’t want to see another wildfire sunset unless it is from a fire that is good for the environment. You can read more about beneficial fires here.

THIS MONTH'S GALLERY
backyard indiana landscape smoke sunset wildfire

Article by Ben Ivers

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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