USA California: Firefighters continue battle against flames
In California, firefighters continue to battle the devastating wildfires. Despite progress, the situation remains tense, while fires are also raging on the east coast.
11.11.2024, 11:45
SDA
Firefighters in California have made progress in fighting the wildfires in the south of the state. On Sunday evening (local time), the fire protection authority Calfire reported that around a third of the "Mountain Fire" had been contained.
More than 2,800 firefighters are still working to fight the flames, as the authorities in Ventura County announced on X. Some residents were able to return to their homes on Sunday.
Successes and challenges
"Although we suffered significant damage, thousands of homes and hundreds of lives were saved," Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said at a community meeting. "We have suffered losses, but rebuilding is possible."
The Mountain Fire broke out on Wednesday near the town of Camarillo, northwest of Los Angeles. It destroyed at least 168 homes and other buildings and damaged nearly 70 others. So far, more than 83 square kilometers of land have fallen victim to the flames. The arid south of California is frequently affected by forest and bush fires.
Fires on the east coast
On the east coast of the USA, too, drought and strong winds have encouraged forest fires in states such as New York and New Jersey. An 18-year-old volunteer died in a fire north of New York City on Saturday, according to the police.
Parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are currently under a drought warning, as it has hardly rained significantly for weeks. Fires even broke out in New York City at the weekend, including in Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
According to the New York Times, the fire department was able to extinguish the fire within a few hours and there were no injuries. In New Jersey, the smoke from the fires created a haze over the city. The US weather service forecast some rain for the beginning of the week.
Climate change and its consequences
Experts warn that climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, leading to more destruction.
