Status: 07/26/2021 3:35 p.m.
In the US state of California, thousands of fire fighters are trying to put out a forest fire that has been growing for days. The high flames of the fire mean that they form their own clouds.
In the US state of California, thousands of firefighters are fighting a forest fire that has been growing for days. The flames of the fire are now so high that they form their own clouds, said the US meteorologist responsible for the fire Julia Ruthford.
These clouds could mean thunderstorms, among other things. “Tomorrow could be a challenging day,” said Ruthford. “If these clouds are high enough, they have the potential to create lightning.” Thunderstorms and strong winds, which are also triggered by the clouds of fire, could therefore further fuel the fire.
Tree tipped on power line, probably the cause of the fire
The fire broke out in the forests of northern California in mid-July. At the weekend, 5,400 firefighters were on duty there. So far, very remote areas have been affected and few people have had to leave their homes. However, according to the fire brigade, the flames are now dangerously close to several localities.
A preliminary investigation has shown that a tree that fell onto a power line was the cause of the fire. The operator of the line, the US energy supplier “Pacific Gas and Electric”, had already been held responsible for a fire in California in 2018. At that time, defective power lines and inadequate protective measures triggered the fire, in which 86 people were killed.
Forest fires are not uncommon in the region. But this year they erupted unusually early due to a drought of several years, gusty winds and a hot early summer. Experts see a connection to climate change. So far, the fires have destroyed three times more vegetation than at this time in 2020 – the previous record year for forest fires in California.