Los Angeles and other areas of California are among the areas most at risk for wildfires — but they are not alone.
los angeles wildfire The fires that broke out last week devastated communities and cost thousands of lives. fire broke out powerful winds and dry conditions, and Climate change Climate change also plays a role in increasing the risk, with rainy periods becoming more intense and the dry season lasting longer.
Many fires occur in areas where humans have encroached on nature – also known as wildland-urban interface,
These types of conditions aren't just affecting California. In October, driest month It was recorded over much of the eastern half of the country, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
Here's a look at places in the United States that are in the fire risk zone, based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Risk Index:
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First Street Foundationa climate nonprofit, assesses the risk of property damage from wildfire in areas across the country. It considers properties at “major” risk if they are estimated to have at least a 6%–14% chance of being directly damaged by a wildfire at least once in the next 30 years, or if the chance is 15%. Considered at “critical” risk. % or higher.
The organization says more than a quarter of homes in Los Angeles County could fall into the “major” risk category, while another 22% face “severe” risk. Other western states, Texas and large parts of the Great Plains, like parts of Florida, also have high rates of at-risk properties.
You can zoom in on the maps below and hover over counties to find out the risk level in your area.
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In Wyoming, about 69% of properties could be at “large” risk of wildfire over the next 30 years, and Colorado has the next highest figure, with 53% facing “large” risk.
In September, near the pearl fire Colorado-Wyoming border It was a man-made event and 138 acres of land burned over the course of five days.
In Arizona, 27% of the state's properties could face “serious” risk over the next 30 years, according to a First Street Foundation analysis.
In 2022, Wildfire seen in Arizona Which destroyed 30 residences and burned more than 20,000 acres of land from mid-April to early July.