California wildfires are spreading faster, endangering more people

A study published in the journal Science reveals that California wildfires spread almost four times faster in 2020 compared to 2001, with fires in the West growing 250% quicker in the same timeframe. The study, led by scientists from the University of Colorado, UC Merced, and UCLA, used satellite technology to analyze daily fire spread imagery from 2001 to 2020, finding that the 3% of fires with the fastest daily growth rates accounted for 90% of property loss. The increase in fire speed is attributed to warming trends, vegetation changes, and high winds combined with human-related ignitions, posing a significant threat to Californians living near flammable vegetation.

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