California was hit hard last year by devastating wildfires, which collectively ravaged hundreds of thousands of acres, destroyed buildings, and injured and killed dozens. This year, the latest on California wildfires is that experts say to expect still more devastating fires across the state.

The last several months brought significant rainfall to California. While it might seem that more rainfall equals better protection against wildfires, it may contribute to the risk. Indeed, the rain encouraged more grasses to grow. As the grasses dry out in the upcoming hotter months, they may make certain areas more vulnerable, as dry grasses can ignite and quickly spread from just the slightest spark.

The risk is expected to be greatest from October through December when the Santa Ana winds are blowing.

Already, several small fires have begun across the state, notes the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) on their website.

“Fueled by drought, an unprecedented buildup of dry vegetation and extreme winds, the size and intensity of these wildfires caused the loss of more than 100 lives, destroyed thousands of homes and exposed millions of urban and rural Californians to unhealthy air,” reads a statement on the CAL FIRE website. Home losses exceeded $1.6 billion in Los Angeles County from the Woolsey Fire according to the LA Times.

“While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the fire season in California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Climate change is considered a key driver in this trend,” according to CAL FIRE.

Burn areas that now hover between 5 and 150 acres are expected to grow to around 250 in July and expand rapidly to 1,500 to 5,000 acres by early autumn. November is set to be the most devastating month for wildfire destruction, the latest on California wildfires indicates.

Indeed, experts warn that fires larger than 5,000 acres could break out in November, in the worst cases growing to tens of thousands of acres.

A large number of Californians live in high-risk areas for wildfires. “I anticipate there’s a whole lot of people in suburban Southern California, and, frankly, in the Bay Area, that would never consider themselves a part of that ‘1 out of 4 Californians that live in a fire risk area,’ but they actually do,” Wade Crowfoot, the head of the California Natural Resources Agency, said in his latest on California wildfires as reported in the LA Times.

To help prevent wildfires, fire safety officials recommend that residents clear brush near their houses, and avoid doing yard work when it’s too warm and dry.

Residents should also be prepared to leave in case of an evacuation.

“When we tell you to go, it’s time to go,” said Mark Lorenzen, the fire chief of Ventura County, according to the LA Times. “The last thing we want is a loss of life.”

 Filing a California Fires Lawsuit

If you have been affected by any of the recent California wildfires, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by wildfire injuries and destruction, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden caused by this damage.

Especially in the wake of the devastation left by a wildfire, litigation can be overwhelming. That’s why Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.