The rapid expansion of the “Dixie” wildfire became the largest wildfire in the United States this year
2021-08-08 09:25:44Source: Xinhuanet
Xinhua News Agency, Los Angeles, August 6 (Reporter Gao Gao) The “Dixie” wildfire that is raging in the mountains of northern California in the United States has been expanding rapidly over the past few days. By the 6th, it has become the largest wildfire in the United States this year.
With the help of high temperature, strong winds, dry vegetation and other factors, the “Dixie” wildfire that started on July 13 has continued to expand, and it has expanded rapidly since the beginning of this week. It was only within 24 hours from the morning of the 5th to the morning of the 6th. The fire area expanded by 405 square kilometers. According to data released by the California Forestry and Fire Department on the evening of the 6th, the area covered by the “Dixie” wildfire has reached 1,760 square kilometers, which is larger than the area of New York City. The “Dixie” wildfire is currently the third-largest wildfire burned in California’s history.
The “Dixie” wildfire destroyed most of the small town of Greenville on the 4th day and night. Local residents said that they saw a huge flame in the distance sweeping like a tsunami. As the local government in the mountainous areas of northern California has continuously issued early warnings and mandatory evacuation orders over the past few days, local residents have evacuated in time. There have been no reports of casualties. According to the California Forestry and Fire Department statistics, the “Dixie” wildfire has burned at least 184 houses. About 5,200 firefighters are currently extinguishing the fire.
In recent years, California wildfires have become more frequent and violent. According to data from the California Forestry and Fire Department, five of the seven largest wildfires in California’s history have occurred since 2020. There have been more than 6,000 large and small wildfires in California in 2021, with a total area of more than 2,300 square kilometers.
California and many states in the western United States are currently experiencing their worst droughts in decades. American forest fire experts told the media that extreme drought is an important reason for the rapid expansion of “Dixie” wildfires, and global climate change is an important reason for severe droughts.
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